In a dramatic turn of events, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Gopal Rai announced in a press conference on February 2 that key political figures, including Delhi Speaker Ram Niwas Goel and Deputy Mayor Aaley Mohd Iqbal, have been placed under house arrest. The move comes ahead of the AAP’s planned protest outside the BJP headquarters, condemning alleged “cheating” in the recently concluded Chandigarh mayoral polls, which saw the BJP emerging victorious.
Rai claimed that not only Goel and Iqbal but also several other AAP MLAs and councillors have been subjected to house arrest as a preemptive measure to curb their participation in the protest. The list of those reportedly under house arrest includes MLAs from Rajouri Garden, Janakpuri, Harinagar, Bijwasan, Chhatarpur, Krishna Nagar, Deputy Mayor, Laxmi Nagar Councilor, RK Puram Councilor, Badli Councilor, Motinagar, Trinagar, Timarpur, and Seemapuri.
The Chandigarh mayoral elections concluded with BJP councillor Manoj Sonkar securing victory, amassing 16 votes against the combined nominee of Congress and AAP, Kuldeep Singh, who received 12 votes. The AAP alleges foul play in the election, accusing the BJP of “stealing” votes.
Security has been heightened in Central Delhi, with road closures and increased police presence in anticipation of both the AAP’s demonstration and a counter-protest by the BJP against alleged “corruption” in the Kejriwal government.
Delhi Minister and AAP leader Atishi expressed concern over the extensive barricading and reported detention of AAP volunteers. She questioned the BJP’s apprehension, asking, “Why is the BJP so scared of a protest on the Chandigarh mayoral elections?”
Saurabh Bharadwaj, another AAP leader, speculated in a video statement whether the BJP’s fear was directed towards Arvind Kejriwal himself. Bharadwaj asserted that the alleged manipulation of votes in the Chandigarh mayoral polls was witnessed by the entire nation and called for a protest against it.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, addressing AAP leaders and workers at a protest at the party’s office, accused the BJP of rigging the Chandigarh mayoral polls. He expressed concerns that if the BJP could manipulate these elections, it could go to any extent in upcoming assembly and Lok Sabha elections.
Despite the heavy police deployment and barricading, the AAP’s planned demonstration in front of the BJP headquarters could not take place. The situation escalated further when BJP workers clashed with the police and broke down barricades to enter their headquarters. The BJP had organized a protest against alleged corruption in the Kejriwal-led AAP government.
In the midst of these political clashes, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning in the Delhi excise policy money laundering case, skipped the appearance for the fifth time.
The political turmoil unfolds against the backdrop of shallow fog enveloping the national capital, causing disruptions to flights and train services during the chilling winter weather. The political and meteorological developments underscore the multifaceted challenges facing Delhi on this eventful day.