Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s recent arrest ahead of National elections has attracted global attention towards India’s Internal affairs.
Previously, diplomatic envoys of US and Germany had voiced their opinions about the proceedings, expressing the need to uphold civil liberties and ensure a transparent and fair election proceedings for every citizen of India.
In a recent press briefing, Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for UN Secretary-general Antonio Guterres, addressed the situation, emphasizing the importance of upholding both political and civil liberties, especially during periods of elections.
Emphasising that “The voice of dissent is a significant part of a healthy democracy,” he further added stressing the need for maintaining a safe environment in the country & its instrumental importance in conducting safe and free electoral process. Once again outlining the global sentiment of safeguarding civil liberties, propagated by the West.
Just a day ago, the Ministry of External Affairs had summoned the US Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, Gloria Barbena, in connection to the prior remark made by US State Department on March 27th.
Yesterday, the US State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller reiterated that US has been keeping an eye on Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest as well as the freezing of bank accounts of Congress party, and has concerns about further complicating the already complex political landscape of India.
A German foreign office spokesperson, named Sebastian Fischer was also summoned earlier this week for speaking out about the arrest, in which he had said that he’s hopeful Indian Judiciary system will uphold basic democratic principle’s integral to India. The statements by foreign spokesperson had sparked quirky and fervent backlash from New Delhi’s end, dubbing the remarks as a “blatant interference in India’s Internal matters”.
Political Turmoil intensifies
A statement issued by the MEA says, “India’s legal processes are based on an independent judiciary which is committed to objective and timely outcomes. Casting aspersions on that is unwarranted”
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest in co-relation to Delhi Govt’s prior excise policy of 2021-22, has sparked protests across the nation. Many Opposition parties and leaders have accused the ruling party BJP of intentionally disrupting the political portfolios of the various states in a clever bid to monopolize on the upcoming elections. Suppression of dissent has become a common occurrence in India, with the nexus between big money and political alliances becoming more and more apparent everyday.
The summoning of US and Germany’s Foreign Relation Chief’s by the MEA citing “unwarranted interference in India’s internal matters” and now the statement by UN spokesperson outlines the sensitive nature of the incident, with the country at large. With the UN’s statements about “upholding” civil liberties and creating a safe and equal environment before the elections, the global concerns about India’s turbulent political scenario have reached the global stage.
With the recent development of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest, workers of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had staged regular protests and demonstrations, including a “gherao” (encirclement) of PM’s residence on March 27th. Many party workers have been arrested in connection to the incident so far. In another front, ED has also seized several bank accounts of INC (Indian National Congress), in connection to separate charges of Corruption.
With the nation heading towards its first democratic elections after becoming the most densely populated country in the world, surpassing China in 2023, most political experts view the ruling party BJP’s actions as a desperate bid to hold on to power, in the already uncertain political landscape of India.
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