Democracy Under Arrest

In the dynamic world of politics, arrests, and controversies often act as catalysts for change. The unprecedented arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has drawn global attention to a nation once revered as the world’s largest democracy. Delving into the reasons behind Kejriwal’s arrest, one can uncover a red herring fallacy amidst elections and explore the potential implications for Indian democracy. Furthermore, the seemingly indifferent response from the Indian public may soon give way to a wave of rebellion.

Arvind Kejriwal, a former Indian Revenue Service officer, co-founded the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in 2012 to eradicate corruption and change India’s political landscape. Interestingly, Kejriwal gained prominence after leading the AAP to a landslide victory in the 2015 Delhi Legislative Assembly elections. However, his tenure as the Chief Minister of Delhi has been marred by controversies, including his arrest in 2016 on charges of defaming a senior government official.

On February 19, 2021, Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Delhi Police in connection with a defamation case filed by a retired lieutenant colonel in 2019. The case pertains to a statement made by Kejriwal during a press conference, where he accused the officer of not doing enough to prevent the 2012 Delhi gangrape case. Kejriwal’s arrest sparked outrage among his supporters and raised concerns about the erosion of already injured democratic values in India.

Many people argue that Kejriwal’s arrest is a blatant attempt by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to silence opposition voices and stifle dissent. They point to the timing of the arrest, which occurred just days before the Punjab Assembly elections, as evidence of the BJP’s political motivations. This arrest has led many to question the independence of India’s law enforcement agencies and the health of its democratic institutions.

Despite the widespread condemnation of Kejriwal’s arrest, the Indian public’s response has been relatively muted due to fear and loss of hope. There have been protests and demonstrations, but they have not garnered the same level of attention as similar events in the past. This is a visible reason for the decreased number of voters, which is less than 35 percent, and reveals why the Indian public has become apathetic or indifferent to political events. The Indian public has become increasingly desensitized to political controversies and arrests, given the frequency with which they occur. This desensitization may have led to a general sense of resignation or apathy among the population. Besides, the Indian public’s trust in political leaders and institutions has been eroding.

A 2020 survey by the Varkey Foundation revealed that only 27% of Indians trust their political leaders, while only 36% trust their government. This lack of trust may contribute to a sense of powerlessness and disinterest in engaging with political issues, especially when it comes to events that do not directly affect their daily lives.

However, it is essential not to dismiss the potential impact of Kejriwal’s arrest on the Indian opposition parties. While the public’s response may not be as vocal as expected, the arrest has undoubtedly strengthened the resolve of opposition parties to unite against the BJP’s perceived attempts to suppress dissent. The opposition parties may see this incident as a catalyst for greater collaboration and coordination to challenge the ruling party’s dominance in Indian politics.

In a nutshell, Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest underscores the importance of individual rights and democratic values in a thriving democracy. This event serves as a stark reminder that the health of a nation’s political landscape is intrinsically linked to the protection and promotion of these fundamental principles. As opposition parties unite against perceived attempts to stifle dissent, it is essential for the Indian public and the international community to actively participate in safeguarding democratic institutions. By staying vigilant and engaged, the institutions can collectively work towards preserving and enhancing the democratic foundations upon which India’s future prosperity and stability rest.