Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, has been arrested in connection with the alleged liquor policy scam after months of evasion of summons by the investigation agency, totalling nine in number, which he deemed as "illegal." On Monday, April 15, the Supreme Court acknowledged the gravity of the situation by agreeing to hear Kejriwal's plea. This decision comes amidst a flurry of legal manoeuvres, with the apex court scheduling the hearing for April 29, 2024. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), which previously sought fifteen days of judicial custody for Kejriwal, cited his purported 'non-cooperative behaviour' as grounds for its request.
With the first round of voting scheduled to commence on April 19 and Kejriwal's arrest by the Enforcement Directorate, a key question arises: who will assume the mantle of Delhi's Chief Minister? Amidst this uncertainty, the spotlight turns towards a woman whose influence and presence have steadily grown within the political arena: Sunita Kejriwal. As the chosen emissary of Arvind Kejriwal, her role in the political arena has garnered attention and speculation.
Fast forward to April, and she has been entrusted with her inaugural "political responsibility" within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)—that of a "star campaigner" for the party in Gujarat. A former Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, Sunita Kejriwal, has been thrust into the forefront of AAP's electoral strategy, with her name prominently listed among the party's 40 "star campaigners" for the state of Gujarat.
Political Role and Implications for AAP's Gujarat Campaign
The AAP, in alliance with the Congress and its INDIA bloc ally, has strategically positioned Kejriwal to spearhead its campaign efforts in Gujarat. With candidates vying for two out of the 26 Lok Sabha seats in the state, her presence on the campaign trail is poised to amplify the party's message and resonate with voters. Beyond Gujarat's borders, Sunita Kejriwal's political trajectory shows signs of further expansion. Sources within the INDIA bloc indicate her potential participation in the 'Nyaya Ulgulan Rally' in Ranchi, organized by the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM).
Sunita Kejriwal Stands Firm, Delivers Husband's Message from Lock-Up
Sunita Kejriwal, the spouse of jailed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, made her political debut on March 31st at a huge rally held at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan. She read out a message written by her husband, who is currently in the custody of the Enforcement Directorate. The rally witnessed Sunita Kejriwal's impassioned delivery of her husband's message, vehemently denouncing the alleged targeting of the opposition by the BJP-led central government through the instrumentalization of central agencies, particularly in the wake of the impending national election.
"The people of India stand with Arvind Kejriwal. He can't be kept in jail forever. I am not asking for votes from you. I am not asking you to help defeat someone in an election. I am only asking 140 crore Indians to help take this country forward," she declared, echoing the spirit of her husband's message.
Arvind Kejriwal's Six Guarantees
With clarity and conviction, Sunita Kejriwal delineated the six guarantees articulated by Arvind Kejriwal during his incarceration:
- Uninterrupted Power Supply: Ensuring no power cuts plague the nation.
- Free Electricity for the Needy: Provision of free electricity for the impoverished segments across the country.
- Quality Education for All: Establishment of well-equipped schools in every village to provide quality education to children from all strata of society.
- Accessible Healthcare: Deployment of mohalla clinics in every village and government multi-speciality hospitals in every district.
- Support for Farmers: Implementation of the Swaminathan report to guarantee fair minimum support prices for farmers.
- Granting Statehood to Delhi: Addressing the long-standing injustice faced by the people of Delhi by granting them statehood.
"Public is supreme and knows everything," says Sunita Kejriwal
Arvind Kejriwal, who has been thrice elected as the Chief Minister of Delhi, was arrested in connection with an excise policy-linked money laundering case. He has been arrested along with other ministers and prominent leaders of AAP (Aam Aadmi Party). After his arrest, Arvind Kejriwal's first statement was, "My life is dedicated to my nation, even if I am in jail." With his educational background and past services and actions concerning anti-corruption activities, his arrest has come as a shock for many.
Who Is Sunita Kejriwal? The Woman Behind the Leader, Arvind Kejriwal
Sunita Kejriwal, a former Indian Revenue Service (IRS) official, has been vocal on social media platforms, consistently defending her husband, Arvind Kejriwal, against the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) accusations. In her impassioned posts, she has condemned what she perceives as unjust attacks on her husband, particularly in light of his recent arrest. Sunita has expressed her belief that Arvind Kejriwal's detainment constitutes a betrayal of the trust placed in him by the people of Delhi.
- A Career Anchored in Service: Sunita Kejriwal's professional trajectory is marked by dedication and service to the nation. A former Indian Revenue Services (IRS) officer, she adorned the ranks of the Income Tax (I-T) department for an illustrious span of 22 years. Her tenure within the department underscores a commitment to upholding fiscal integrity and ensuring compliance with the tax framework.
- The Meeting of Destinies: Sunita and Arvind Kejriwal's paths crossed during a training program in Bhopal. Both coming from IRS backgrounds, they shared not only professional interests but also a vision for social change. Notably, Sunita hails from the esteemed 1994 batch of IRS officers, while Kejriwal hails from the subsequent 1995 cohort. Now the duo are parents to two children.
- Transition and Reinvention: Sunita Kejriwal opted for voluntary retirement from the I-T department in 2016. Her final stint was at the helm of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) in Delhi.
- A Strong Support System: Throughout Arvind Kejriwal's political journey, Sunita has been a constant source of support. From the Indian Against Corruption movement to Arvind's electoral campaigns, she has stood by his side, even taking time off work to assist him in challenging elections.
- Gratitude and Recognition: Arvind Kejriwal's acknowledgement of Sunita's role in his victory speaks volumes about her influence. After the Aam Aadmi Party's landslide win in the 2015 Delhi assembly polls, Arvind publicly thanked Sunita, highlighting her integral role in his political endeavours.
Like any other spouse, Sunita Kejriwal has been disappointed since her husband's arrest and has raised concerns about the same. She is also a former Indian Revenue Service Officer who took to her account on X and wrote, "Modi-ji got your thrice-elected chief minister arrested due to his arrogance of power and is trying to crush everyone. This is a betrayal of the people of Delhi. Your chief minister has always stood with you. Whether inside (jail) or outside, his life is dedicated to the country. The public is supreme and knows everything. Jai Hind."
While many people supported her and lashed out at the government too, others have backed the decision made by the ED for Arvind Kejriwal's arrest. This has sparked controversy all over the nation, Is Arvind Kejriwal's arrest linked to a major liquor scam, or is it just a divergence due to the upcoming elections of 2024? The ED (Enforcement Directorate) has produced Kejriwal in court and sought his 10-day custody. The court's order is awaited.
Sunita Kejriwal's rise as a star campaigner isn't just a smart move by the AAP; it also suggests bigger changes happening within the party, leaving people wondering if she might take on more roles within the organization soon.
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