Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, AAP ministers and MLAs observe fast at Khatkar Kalan, the ancestral village of legendary freedom fighter Bhagat Singh. Tribune photo
Aparna Banerji
Jalandhar, April 7
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and several AAP ministers and MLAs gathered at Khatkar Kalan in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district for a day-long fast to protest the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had given the call for a nationwide collective fast to protest the arrest of the Delhi chief minister.
Khatkar Kalan is the ancestral village of legendary freedom fighter Bhagat Singh.
Addressing the gathering, CM Mann said, “The democracy that Bhagat Singh fought for is in danger today.”
He attacked the central government by comparing the AAP’s current struggle to that of Bhagat Singh and the Centre to British, referring them as ‘Kale Angrez’.
“The country's citizen is today haunted by fears of what will happen to the country and constitution. Bhagat Singh fought to ensure freedom for the country and for democracy. Baba Saheb gave you the constitution. The democracy and constitution are both in danger today.
“These people (Centre) have become the masters of the country who have rejected the sacrifices of the martyrs. The British have gone, but ‘kale angrez’ have come in their place. They have started to snub the voice of the opposition through the fear of raids from ED, CBI, Income tax department, NIA," said Mann.
He said that Arvind Kejriwal is an honest man who left high office and status for the country of the martyrs' dreams.
“It took Congress and BJP decades to find electoral footing. But they are fearful of the kind of popularity AAP has gained becoming a national party in mere 10 years. It scares them. They have devised such ways - they raid, jail and silence regional leaders," the CM added.
AAP Ministers Anmol Gagan Mann, Harbhajan Singh ETO, Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, Laljit Singh Bhullar, Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, and other leaders including Principal Budh Ram, Malwinder Singh Kang, were present at the venue.
Posters of Kejriwal behind bars were put up at the stage and the venue.
Kejriwal, who is also the AAP national convener, was arrested last month by the Enforcement Directorate in an excise policy-linked money laundering case. He was sent to judicial custody till April 15.
The Tribune News Service brings you the latest news, analysis and insights from the region, India and around the world. Follow the Tribune News Service for a wide-ranging coverage of events as they unfold, with perspective and clarity.
Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.
#Aam Aadmi Party AAP #Arvind Kejriwal #Bhagwant Mann #Democracy #Shaheed Bhagat Singh
Most Read In 24 Hours
Don't Miss
View All
Top News
Severe heatwave conditions in north India; at 47.4 degrees Celsius, Delhi's Najafgarh hottest in country
Temperatures remain above 45 degrees Celsius in large parts ...
Lok Sabha election 2024: Over 59 per cent polling in fifth phase; Baramulla records its highest-ever turnout
There were sporadic incidents of violence in West Bengal, be...
Gujarat ATS arrests 4 Sri Lankan nationals with IS links on mission to carry out terror activities
Acting on a tip-off, the ATS apprehendsd the accused at the ...
More trouble for AAP as ED seeks FCRA probe in Rs 7 crore foreign funding; party calls it BJP's new conspiracy
The Aam Aadmi Party dismisses the allegation as ‘baseless’
