New Delhi: Kejriwal’s Protest March Against BJP’s ‘Operation Jhadu’
Before heading towards the BJP headquarters, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal addressed party leaders and workers at the AAP headquarters. He announced that they would march until the allowed limit, sit for half an hour, and if not arrested, it would signify a defeat for the BJP.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made up his mind to destroy and crush AAP. He has initiated ‘Operation Jhadu’. How did I find out about this? Many people meet the PM, including some who know us. After meeting him, they informed us,” said Kejriwal.
He further alleged, “Everyone had the same account: the PM discussed AAP, noting its rapid growth and national discussion. The BJP views AAP as a serious challenge at both national and state levels and believes this party should be immediately destroyed.”
Kejriwal claimed that under this operation, senior AAP leaders are being targeted and arrested. “In the near future, AAP’s bank account will be seized. The ED has indicated in court that they will seize our bank account after the elections and vacate our office,” he stated.
“Do they think this will destroy AAP? AAP represents the dreams of 140 crore people. In Delhi and Punjab, we provide quality education, free healthcare through mohalla clinics, and free electricity. Modi couldn’t achieve this, so he seeks to destroy us,” he added.
“I want to tell the PM, if you arrest one leader, 100 more will emerge. If you arrest one Kejriwal, 1,000 more will follow. Since 2015, we have faced numerous accusations. Now, with the liquor scam, where is the money? They have arrested us on false charges,” the CM asserted.
He highlighted that Manish Sisodia, Satyendar Jain, and Sanjay Singh are already in jail. “Today, my PA was jailed. They plan to imprison Raghav Chadha, who just returned from London, and then Atishi, Kailash Gehlot, Saurabh Bharadwaj,” Kejriwal said.
He concluded with a direct challenge to the PM: “We are coming together. Arrest us. We will go as far as you allow, and we will wait there for half an hour. If we are not arrested, it will be BJP’s defeat.”
Senior leaders, including AAP MPs Sanjay Singh and Raghav Chadha, Delhi Ministers Gopal Rai and Atishi, and other party MLAs and workers, were present.
In anticipation of the protest march, the Delhi Metro closed entry and exit at the ITO Metro station. The Delhi Police imposed Section 144 of the CrPC near the BJP headquarters and deployed water cannons and heavy force, including paramilitary personnel, as no protest permission was sought by AAP.
The Delhi Traffic Police issued an advisory: “In view of the proposed protest by a political party at DDU Marg Delhi, traffic will remain heavy at DDU Marg, IP Marg, Minto Road, and Vikas Marg. DDU Marg may be closed for traffic movement between 11.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. Kindly avoid these roads and plan your journey accordingly,” the advisory stated on X.
