New Delhi, India – Arvind Kejriwal, a key opponent of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, found himself back in jail on Sunday as he vowed to continue fighting against what he called “dictatorship.” This development comes after a series of elections that are anticipated to result in another resounding victory for Modi, the leader of the Hindu-nationalist party.
Kejriwal, the chief minister of Delhi and a prominent figure in an opposition alliance formed to challenge Modi, was arrested in March amid allegations of corruption. Despite being released to campaign during the elections, he was ordered to return to jail after voting concluded.
In an emotional speech to his supporters, Kejriwal expressed his resolve to continue the fight even behind bars. He emphasized the importance of standing up against abuses of power, stating, “When power becomes dictatorship, then jail becomes a responsibility.”
As exit polls indicated Modi’s impending triumph in the elections, the prime minister exuded confidence in his government’s ability to secure another term. The final round of voting in the lengthy poll took place in sweltering conditions across various parts of the country, with supporters in Modi’s constituency expressing certainty in his victory.
Critics of Modi have long raised concerns about the state of democracy in India, with allegations of the government using its institutions to target political opponents. Leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Hemant Soren have faced legal challenges, further highlighting the contentious political environment in the country.
On a somber note, reports emerged of the tragic deaths of polling staff due to heatstroke on the last day of voting in Uttar Pradesh. The scorching temperatures across India have raised alarms about the impact of climate change, with experts warning of more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future.
Overall, the political landscape in India remains fraught with challenges and controversies as the country navigates through a crucial period of elections and governance. Kejriwal’s return to jail symbolizes the ongoing struggle for democracy and accountability in the face of entrenched power dynamics.