Why BJP is confident of containing any fallout from Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest

WHILE THE arrest of Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party supremo Arvind Kejriwal has come on the eve of the Lok Sabha elections, amid the Opposition’s claims of a witch-hunt by the Central government, the BJP is confident that it can withstand any backlash.

It stems from the belief that taking Kejriwal out of the picture at this critical time deals a big blow to the INDIA bloc at large, and the AAP in Delhi, apart from bolstering the Modi government’s credentials as committed to rooting out corruption, “no matter how big the leader”.

Kejriwal was arrested hours after the Delhi High Court refused him interim protection from “coercive action” in the Delhi excise policy case, over which he had skipped multiple summons by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

The BJP will be underlining the AAP chief’s defiance of the ED summons to make its case, as the Opposition unites in support of Kejriwal following his arrest.

A senior BJP leader said: “One of the main fallouts of the arrest would be the impairing of AAP, with Kejriwal being its face and voice mobilising crowds and resources. He is also the main brain and pillar of the party. Without Kejriwal, the AAP will not be in a position to make any impact in the campaign scene.”

Another party leader added: “This will also take away one of INDIA bloc’s star campaigners, as well as reinforce our message of it being a coalition of the corrupt.” And there is no bigger catch than Kejriwal on this front, given the AAP’s rise to power as an anti-corruption crusader.

A source said that many BJP cadres were questioning the party over why the Modi government was playing safe when it came to Kejriwal, saying it sent the message that it was apprehensive of acting against him due to his