SRINAGAR: Former Chief Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, vehemently criticized the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the Excise Policy case. They labeled it as a ‘Blot on Democracy’ and a ‘cowardly act of the ruling government,’ expressing concerns over growing “authoritarianism” within the ruling party.
Taking to X, Omar Abdullah, termed the arrest as “Aisi Taisi Democracy.”
Aisi Taisi Democracy. For all the talk of 400+ seats, the ruling dispensation is displaying a remarkable degree of nervousness. Having a sitting opposition CM arrested by a pliable central agency within days of the general elections being announced is a blot on democracy. @JKNC_…
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) March 22, 2024
Omar expressed solidarity with Arvind Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in light of what he described as a “dangerous erosion of democratic principles”. He raised concerns about the BJP potentially exploiting Kejriwal’s situation to impose President’s rule in Delhi, thereby undermining the democratic process and urged the Aam Aadmi Party to stay vigilant and cautioned against the misuse of constitutional provisions to thwart the will of the people.
PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti echoed similar sentiments, condemning Kejriwal’s arrest as an act of political vendetta. “This cowardly act has exposed fears of the ruling party now resorting to desperate measures by manipulating elections even before they are held,” Mehbooba wrote on X.
The arbitrary arrest of yet another CM by ED reeks of political vendetta & growing authoritarianism.This cowardly act has exposed fears of the ruling party now resorting to desperate measures by manipulating elections even before they are held. History has shown that tyranny…
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) March 21, 2024
“The arbitrary arrest of yet another Chief Minister by the ED smacks of political vendetta and growing authoritarianism. This cowardly act has exposed the apprehensions of the ruling party that now desperate measures are being taken by manipulating the elections even before the elections are held. History is witness to the fact that tyranny has never been able to prevail in the face of unified resistance. We will not intimidated,” Mehbooba said.
