The United Nations weighed in on the recent arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in India, expressing its hope for the protection of people’s political and civil rights.
Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, emphasized the importance of ensuring that everyone’s rights, including the right to vote, are safeguarded in India and any other country undergoing elections.
Addressing concerns about potential political unrest ahead of the general elections, Dujarric stressed the need for a free and fair atmosphere for voting.
“What we very much hope that in India, as in any country that is having elections, that everyone’s rights are protected, including political and civil rights, and everyone can vote in an atmosphere that is free and fair,” the mint quoted Dujarric as saying at a press conference.
The statement followed similar remarks from the United States, which raised questions regarding the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the freezing of the Congress party’s bank accounts.
US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller underscored the importance of fair, transparent, and timely legal processes, refraining from discussing private diplomatic conversations but emphasizing the US stance on encouraging adherence to the rule of law.
In response to Washington’s remarks on the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal, Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal labeled them as “unwarranted,” asserting India’s pride in its independent and robust democratic institutions.
Jaiswal reiterated India’s commitment to protecting these institutions from external influences, emphasizing that legal processes in the country are governed solely by the rule of law.
India strongly objected to the implications made by the US State Department, reaffirming the integrity of its legal processes, which operate under an independent judiciary dedicated to delivering objective and timely outcomes.
Arvind Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 in connection with a money laundering case related to excise policy, prompting these diplomatic exchanges. He remains in ED custody until April 1, as investigations continue.Did you know The Theorist also has a WhatsApp channel? Click here to follow us on WhatsAppRead all the World News, Business News, Sports News, Entertainment News, Business News and Opinion here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
