- March 24, 2024
Arvind Kejriwal’s Arrest and its Impact on 2024 Lok Sabha Elections: A Political Analysis

Arvind Kejriwal’s Arrest and its Impact on 2024 Lok Sabha Elections: A Political Analysis
In a surprising turn of events, Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the Delhi liquor policy case on Thursday, March 21. This arrest comes at a critical juncture as the country gears up for the impending Lok Sabha elections, with nominations already underway for the initial phase featuring 102 parliamentary seats.
While some supporters of both you and the Congress argue that Kejriwal’s arrest could serve as a political tool in the Lok Sabha elections, analysts suggest that it may pose a significant setback not only for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) but also for the opposition at large.
The question arises: What impact will Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest have on the INDIA Gathbandhan, and will AAP truly benefit from his incarceration?
Firstly, let’s consider the potential advantages for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) amidst PM Modi’s anti-corruption stance. The zero-tolerance policy towards corruption in Modi’s government has been evident through increased actions by the ED and Income Tax department during the past two terms, sending a message to the public that those involved in looting the nation are being brought to justice.
Now, with the arrest of sitting Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who rose to prominence by positioning himself as a staunch anti-corruption crusader, BJP could potentially capitalize on this narrative of combating corruption. Kejriwal’s arrest poses two major challenges for AAP – allegations of corruption and involvement in the liquor scam.
It’s important to note that a significant portion of society still views the liquor business unfavorably. Therefore, any association of Kejriwal with a liquor scam could tarnish AAP’s image.
Kejriwal now faces the daunting task of proving his innocence while also disassociating himself from the liquor business allegations. Even if he secures bail, it may not be sufficient to dispel doubts regarding his involvement in the liquor scam before the elections. This creates an opportunity for BJP to further its narrative against corruption and possibly sway undecided voters.
Furthermore, BJP’s political strategy often revolves around turning such situations into opportunities. The narrative could shift towards portraying the AAP government as promoting the liquor trade in the national capital, creating a challenge for AAP to separate itself from these allegations effectively.
In the current political climate, Kejriwal’s arrest has prompted Rahul Gandhi, a Congress leader, to continuously target BJP. In a recent post on the social media platform ‘X’, Gandhi stated that a frightened dictator wants to turn a dying democracy into a dead one.
This incident not only affects AAP and Congress but also garners support from all components of the INDIA Gathbandhan in favor of Arvind Kejriwal.
On July 8, 2022, the then Chief Secretary of Delhi, Naresh Kumar, released a report revealing the liquor scam. The report accused prominent leaders, including Manish Sisodia, of serious irregularities.
Sisodia, the Deputy Chief Minister at the time, was allegedly involved in granting undue favors to licensed liquor traders under the pretext of the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, the report suggested irregularities amounting to ₹144.36 crores in waived license fees, primarily benefiting airport zone liquor traders.
Following this, LG VK Saxena recommended a CBI inquiry into the matter. Subsequently, on August 17, 2022, the CBI registered a case. Additionally, due to allegations of money laundering, the ED initiated an investigation.
In conclusion, Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest presents both challenges and opportunities for various political parties. While BJP could capitalize on the anti-corruption narrative, AAP and Congress may struggle to navigate the implications of this development. The impact of Kejriwal’s arrest on the upcoming Lok Sabha elections remains to be seen, with the political landscape poised for significant shifts.
Arvind Kejriwal, Lok Sabha Elections 2024, AAP, BJP, Congress, Corruption, Delhi Liquor Scam, Enforcement Directorate, Political Analysis, INDIA Gathbandhan, Modi Government, Anti-Corruption, Political Strategy, CBI Inquiry, Money Laundering, Election Dynamics.