Anna Hazare responds on Arvind Kejriwal's Arrest:- "I have repeatedly advised him to steer clear of alcohol, but he went ahead and formulated a policy for financial gain," social activist Anna Hazare expressed, offering one of her many scathing comments on the arrest of her former mentee, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, in relation to the liquor policy case. While various opposition leaders have voiced their support for Mr. Kejriwal, Anna Hazare believes that the Aam Aadmi Party should not have enacted the liquor policy. "I am deeply disappointed that someone like Arvind Kejriwal, who used to collaborate with me and spoke out against alcohol, is now drafting a liquor policy," she lamented. "However, we must accept the consequences of our actions as dictated by the law," the activist added.
Anna Hazare emerged as the face of the anti-corruption movement in 2011, which subsequently led to the formation of the AAP. Although she chose to distance herself from the party and abstain from electoral politics, she gave it her "blessings" at the time. Nevertheless, she has since voiced criticism of the party on various issues, while Mr. Kejriwal and his party have refrained from direct confrontation.
Retailers were involved in a scheme where 12% of their profits would be given as kickbacks to AAP leaders, with 6% recovered from wholesalers. The "South Group" allegedly gave an upfront payment of ₹100 crore to Vijay Nair, who was connected to the AAP. In the past, Mr. Hazare has criticized this policy. In 2022, he wrote a letter expressing his "pain" to Arvind Kejriwal, stating, "This is the first time I am reaching out to you since you became chief minister, and I am distressed by the recent news about your government's liquor policy. Just like liquor, power can also intoxicate. It seems you have been intoxicated by power."
Despite the arrest, AAP has confirmed that Arvind Kejriwal will remain as the Delhi Chief Minister. He will follow protocol and approach a trial court to challenge the arrest. Additionally, he will appear before a special court that handles cases related to the probe agency, after spending the night at the ED's office on Abdul Kalam Road in Delhi.
(Video Source: NTV Telugu)
