The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is gearing up for a major protest at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence on March 26th. This move comes in the wake of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's recent arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Gopal Rai, a Delhi minister and prominent AAP leader, made the announcement on Monday, revealing plans for nationwide demonstrations against the arrest.

Rai outlined a four-day protest agenda, commencing with a demonstration on Saturday (March 23) at Shaheedi Park in ITO. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is set to join this protest. Rai emphasized the significance of the date, as it marks the Shaheedi Diwas of Bhagat Singh and Rajguru, who sacrificed their lives for the nation.

On March 24, Rai stated that effigies of PM Modi would be burned across the city as a form of protest. He added that on March 25, party leaders would abstain from Holi celebrations and instead engage in door-to-door interactions, informing people about the BJP's actions.

Rai criticized Kejriwal's arrest, arguing that it violates the Model Code of Conduct, which came into effect on March 16 with the announcement of the Lok Sabha election schedule by the Election Commission. He accused the BJP of resorting to fake cases and illegal raids to undermine opposition parties, citing concerns over electoral bond corruption.

Expressing worry about Kejriwal's security, Rai highlighted the responsibility to ensure his safety, especially considering his Z-plus security status.

The AAP aims to transform the protest against Kejriwal's arrest into a nationwide movement. Gopal Rai, the party's Delhi state convener, outlined plans for a "people's movement" starting from Shaheedi Park in Delhi, where Bhagwant Mann and other party members will gather to burn effigies of PM Modi. The protest will also include AAP's allies in the INDIA bloc.

Rai alleged that AAP's office was sealed during protests against Kejriwal's arrest, with party officials being denied entry. He criticized the BJP for what he described as attempts to stifle dissent by detaining AAP ministers and volunteers.

Sandeep Pathak, AAP's national general secretary (organisation) and Rajya Sabha member, accused the BJP of "murdering democracy" by arresting opposition leaders ahead of elections, creating an "emergency-like situation" in the country.

Saurabh Bharadwaj, another senior AAP leader and Delhi minister, claimed that the international community was dismayed by the actions of the central government.

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, who met with Kejriwal's family, pledged to stay in the capital and participate in the ongoing protests alongside Delhi's leadership.

How Delhi Police Intensifies Security Measures at Arvind Kejriwal's Residence

Arvind Kejriwal's Arrest Sparks Outcry Among India's Opposition