Former J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah said on Friday that the arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal was part of a process under which the democratic institutions of the country were gradually being corroded.

Replying to questions from media persons in Srinagar, Omar said Kejriwal’s arrest was clearly linked with the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. “Within days of the Election Commission announcing the poll schedule, Kejriwal, who is not only a sitting chief minister but also an important part of the Opposition alliance has arbitrarily been arrested by the enforcement directorate (ED). But he is not the first Opposition leader to face this,” the National Conference (NC) leader said.

Blaming the BJP for the arrest, Omar said, “This is, unfortunately, part of a process whereby democratic institutions in the country have gradually been eroded to the point where they almost cease to exist. Now, whether the country realises the risk and threat that our democracy faces or not time will tell.”

“The BJP Government will not last forever, but the legacy they will leave will be that democratic institutions would have been destroyed which would be extremely unfortunate for this country”.

Earlier in the morning, criticising Kejriwal’s arrest, Omar wrote on X; “Aisi Taisi Democracy. For all the talk of 400+ seats, the ruling dispensation is displaying a remarkable degree of nervousness. Having a sitting opposition CM arrested by a pliable central agency within days of the general elections being announced is a blot on democracy. @JKNC_ stands with @ArvindKejriwal & @AamAadmiParty”.

PDP chief also criticised his arrest and wrote on X, “The fact that a sitting Chief Minister is unable to secure bail from the highest court of the country shows the sorry state of affairs in India where every institution meant to safeguard individual rights is being weakened”.

After Kejriwal’s arrest last night, she wrote, “The arbitrary arrest of yet another CM by ED reeks of political vendetta & growing authoritarianism. This cowardly act has exposed fears of the ruling party now resorting to desperate measures by manipulating elections even before they are held. History has shown that tyranny never prevails in the face of unified resistance. We will not be intimidated.”