'I am not a terrorist': Kejriwal's message from Tihar Jail
What's the story
Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh on Tuesday said Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who worked "like a son and a brother for the country," has sent a message from Tihar Jail.
During a press conference, Singh quoted Kejriwal, saying, "My name is Arvind Kejriwal and I am not a terrorist."
On Monday, a Delhi court extended the CM's judicial custody till April 23.
He was arrested on March 21 by the Enforcement Directorate in the excise policy case.
Context
Why does this story matter?
The money laundering case—in which Kejriwal was arrested—revolves around alleged irregularities in the creation and execution of the now-scrapped excise policy 2021-22.
The federal agency has alleged that the AAP funneled the illicit funds generated through the scheme into the party's poll campaign for Goa and Punjab.
Kejriwal and the AAP have refuted the allegations and accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party of misusing central agencies to cripple the opposition ahead of the crucial Lok Sabha elections.
Meeting details
Kejriwal's interaction with Punjab CM highlighted
During the press meet, Singh said, "The three-time elected CM of Delhi is made to meet Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann through a glass."
"It is clear...that the prime minister [Narendra Modi] has a feeling of hatred against Arvind Kejriwal," he added.
"This is Arvind Kejriwal...he is made of a different clay...The more you try to break him, the stronger [he gets]...CM Bhagwant Mann became emotional during the meeting. It is an emotional moment for all of us," he added.
Statement
Singh criticizes PM Modi's justification of electoral bonds
During the conference, Singh also hit out at PM Modi over his remarks on the electoral bonds scheme in recent interview to the ANI.
"Yesterday, PM Modi gave a detailed interview...most shocking thing in the interview is that the Prime Minister is openly defending the biggest scam since independence...The Supreme Court called electoral bonds unconstitutional and illegal," he said.
"He also insulted the Supreme Court, he should apologize to the Supreme Court and the people of the country," he added.
PM's interview
PM defends electoral bonds
On Monday, PM Modi said the scrapping of the electoral bonds is a decision "everyone will regret when there is honest reflection."
The PM said the electoral bonds scheme launched by his government was meant to fight the use of "black money," referring to unaccounted cash or funds from criminal activities, in election campaigns.
PM Modi also attacked the opposition for spreading "lies" about the bonds.