India responds to US comments on Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest

New Delhi:

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said at a regular press briefing on Thursday that the US comments on Kejriwal’s arrest were “baseless” and it had lodged a strong protest.

“…Yesterday, India lodged strong objections and protests to senior officials of the US Embassy in China over the remarks made by the US State Department. The recent remarks are baseless. In India, legal process is driven by the rule of law. Anyone with a similar spirit People…especially in democracies…should have no difficulty in understanding this fact,” the MEA said.

Just days ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the MEA also hit back at the US over Congress’ claims that its bank accounts have been frozen due to unfair tax demands. Congress said the freeze on its bank accounts meant it had no money to spend on its poll campaign.

Read | ‘We have no money to spend’: Ex-Congress chief polled

The MEA highlighted India’s “strong and independent democratic institutions” and said “external accusations of our electoral and legal processes are completely unacceptable”.

The ministry spokesperson emphasized that the Indian government is committed to protecting the country’s judiciary and democratic institutions “from any form of undue external influence.”

The multilateral environmental agreement states: “Mutual respect and understanding are the basis of international relations, and countries should respect the sovereignty and internal affairs of other countries.”

‘Interference…’: India’s remarks on US, Germany

The strongly worded statement from the foreign ministry came after the United States on Wednesday reiterated its call for “fair, transparent and prompt legal proceedings” over Kejriwal’s arrest.

Read | India summons US diplomat over comments on Kejriwal’s arrest

Asked about Wednesday’s meeting between MEA officials and Gloria Berbena, the acting deputy chief of mission in Delhi, the United States said it “continues to monitor these operations closely.”

Regarding the tax controversy in Congress, the US State Department said it was “aware of the allegations…” and encouraged the Indian government to handle both issues in a “fair and transparent” manner.

This back-and-forth has led to a degree of diplomatic tension among the allies.

In addition, the United States is not the only Western country that has faced strong opposition from India for interfering in its internal affairs. Germany’s foreign ministry has called for a “fair and impartial trial” for Arvind Kejriwal, leader of the Aam Aadmi Party and the first sitting chief minister to be arrested.

Read | ‘Blatant interference’: India protests Germany’s comments on Kejriwal

India also reacted strongly, summoning the German envoy and calling the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ remarks “blatant interference in internal affairs.” “We believe that such comments interfere with our judicial process and undermine the independence of our judiciary,” the ministry said.

This morning, a spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs appeared to backtrack, declaring that “the Constitution of India… guarantees fundamental human values ​​and freedoms”.

Kejriwal arrested in liquor policy case

Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate last week in connection with the liquor policy scam that has roiled his AAP and triggered an outcry from the opposition ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Mr Kejriwal was sent to jail this week until March 28.

NDTV Explained | Why the Enforcement Directorate arrested Arvind Kejriwal

The Enforcement Directorate believes that the now-repealed liquor policy provided high profit margins of 185% for retailers and 12% for wholesalers. Of this, 6% (over Rs 600 crore) was bribes and the money was allegedly used to fund AAP’s poll campaign.

The education ministry named the chief minister as a key co-conspirator in the case, but Mr Kejriwal and his party colleagues arrested in connection with the matter – former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, federal house member Sanjay Singh and former health minister Satyendar Jain – have both denied the claims. cost of.

The AAP and the opposition have slammed the BJP-led central government for using central agencies such as the Education Department to target rivals and critics ahead of the general elections. The AAP criticized Mr Kejriwal’s arrest on the grounds that it was timed to disrupt his plans to campaign for the party.

The BJP denies what the opposition describes as its use of central agencies.

Mr. Kejriwal was sent to ED custody this afternoon until April 1.

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