Brinda Karat, a prominent figure in the Communist Party of India (CPI), vehemently criticized the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday. Karat asserted that such actions indicated the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) misusing governmental agencies to target opposition leaders. According to Karat, Kejriwal’s arrest in connection with a money laundering case related to excise policy was unjust and a clear manipulation of law enforcement for political gains, especially in the context of upcoming elections.
Karat emphasised the necessity of immediate reversal of such actions by expressing solidarity with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and joining their protest against Kejriwal’s arrest. She condemned reports suggesting that Kejriwal’s family members were denied access to meet anyone, labelling such behavior absurd and illegal.
In addition to condemning Kejriwal’s arrest, Karat also addressed the issue of Electoral Bonds, criticizing the delay in releasing data by the State Bank of India (SBI). She accused the BJP of implementing a corrupt system and misleading the Supreme Court regarding submitting Electoral Bond details to the Election Commission of India. Karat highlighted the dismissal of SBI’s request for an extension by the Supreme Court and emphasized that the government’s reluctance to disclose this information exposed its dubious dealings.
Furthermore, Karat alleged a nexus between corporations and the ruling party, suggesting that donations from companies were essentially a form of extortion, with companies expecting favorable policies in return. She specifically pointed to the mining industry, claiming that donations made to the ruling party were aimed at influencing policies favoring their interests, even at the expense of marginalized communities like Adivasis.
In essence, Karat’s statements underscored her strong opposition to the politicization of law enforcement agencies, delays in transparency regarding electoral finances, and the alleged collusion between corporations and the ruling party, portraying a broader critique of the current political landscape in India.
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