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A Delhi court has prolonged the detention of opposition figure Arvind Kejriwal until April 23, complicating matters for the opposition as they gear up for the imminent general elections. Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, faces allegations of corruption related to the city's liquor policy, a case brought forth by India's financial crime-fighting agency, the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Despite Kejriwal's contention that his arrest is unjust, the Supreme Court of India has deferred further consideration until the week of April 29, awaiting the ED's response.
Kejriwal, a vocal critic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, dismisses the charges as politically motivated, a sentiment echoed by other opposition leaders. However, Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) maintain that law enforcement agencies operate independently. Kejriwal's arrest on March 21 sparked widespread protests in Delhi and Punjab, both strongholds of his Aam Aadmi Party, drawing international attention.
While Kejriwal's detention has galvanized the opposition alliance INDIA, comprising 27 parties including AAP and Congress, opinion polls suggest a significant lead for the BJP in the upcoming elections. With voting set to commence on April 19 and counting on June 4, Kejriwal's prolonged detention presents a challenge for the opposition's electoral campaign.