BJP protests outside Tihar Jail, demands Kejriwal’s resignation

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 6

Delhi BJP workers, led by state BJP president Virendra Sachdeva, staged a protest outside Tihar Jail on Tuesday, demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal following the Delhi High Court’s assertion that his arrest is legally valid.

The protest, which saw the participation of a large number of BJP municipal councillors, senior officials and party workers, was marked by slogans demanding Kejriwal’s resignation.

‘No moral right to continue’

After the High Court’s decision, which confirmed that Kejriwal’s arrest is legally valid, he has no moral right to remain in office. The people of Delhi are now demanding his resignation. — Virendra Sachdeva, Delhi BJP President

Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Municipal Corporation Raja Iqbal Singh was also present during the protest.

Addressing the protesters, Sachdeva said, “After the High Court’s decision yesterday, which confirmed that Kejriwal’s arrest is legally valid, he has no moral right to remain in office. The people of Delhi are now demanding his resignation, as even the Supreme Court has indicated.”

Sachdeva accused Kejriwal of being the mastermind behind the liquor scam, alleging that he received millions in commissions. “The High Court’s dismissal of his petition shows he is deeply implicated,” Sachdeva claimed. He further criticised Kejriwal for his reluctance to resign, attributing it to his “obsession with his luxurious mansion”.

The Delhi BJP president also took aim at other Delhi ministers, accusing them of accepting perks like bungalows and cars while shirking responsibility. “Delhi ministers will take bungalows, cars and allowances, but they will not take responsibility,” Sachdeva charged. He pointed to the city’s frequent flooding and traffic jams, even after brief rainfalls, as evidence of the government’s inaction.

Highlighting the current state of the Delhi Government, Sachdeva noted, “Delhi’s Chief Minister, former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and former minister Satyendar Jain are all in jail, while other ministers and legislators are busy holding press conferences instead of addressing the city’s issues.” He also brought attention to the recent tragedy at the Asha Kiran shelter home, where 14 children died in one month, accusing the government of failing to respond.

Sachdeva criticised the AAP government for holding only 15 physical Cabinet meetings in the last two-and-a-half years, with the remaining 56 meetings were conducted over the phone without proper discussion. He argued that this lack of governance has paralysed the administration, as no Cabinet meetings have been held since March.

“The AAP government is mired in corruption across all departments,” Sachdeva alleged, and is “more concerned with Kejriwal’s health in jail than the welfare of Delhi”. He said Kejriwal must appoint a replacement to allow the government to function, stating, “The current situation is causing significant inconvenience to the public.”