Targeting the Narendra Modi government, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday said that when a government starts fearing its own people, it is time for it to go.
The observation came just hours before AAP’s proposed march towards the Prime Minister’s residence for which the Delhi Police has denied permission.
AAP spokesman Saurabh Bhardwaj said that it “felt like everything has gone five years back” when the then Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) “felt threatened and used its police force to stop Delhi citizens from protesting against it (during Lokpal agitation)”.
“I feel when a government starts fearing its own people, then it is time for that government to go,” Bhardwaj told the media in New Delhi.
AAP ministers, workers and supporters will gather at 4 p.m. at Mandi House and march towards Modi’s residence by 5.30 p.m.
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Earlier today, the Delhi Police said no permission was sought for the AAP protest march, even as AAP leaders alleged that party supporters were being prevented from taking part in the rally.
The AAP is holding the march to support the sit-in of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his cabinet colleagues at the lieutenant governor’s office for the last six days demanding him to direct IAS officers to end their “strike”.
“The call given by the AAP to march towards PM office or residence is without permission. No permission has been applied for. As such the areas under New Delhi district are under prohibitory orders,” a senior Delhi Police officer said.
“Those trying to take out the march will be detained since no permission has been sought for it,” he added.
Reacting on the development, the AAP leadership alleged that the Delhi Police was trying to stop people from joining the march.
“Police has got several Metro stations closed down. Barricades have been erected all over Delhi and police is going door to door asking people if they were going for the march. People are being stopped from going for the march,” Delhi AAP Chief Gopal Rai said.
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Deputy Speaker of the Delhi Assembly Rakhi Birla said that the situation in Delhi is “worse” than the Emergency.
AAP leader Atishi Marlena alleged the Delhi Police was working on the instruction of the PMO.
“Obviously @DelhiPolice is under instructions from @PMOIndia. But they underestimate the power of the common man! Today the people of Delhi are going to show their strength to @PMOIndia! (sic),” she tweeted.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal alongwith his deputy Manish Sisodia, ministers Satyendar Jain and Gopal Rai, is sitting at the office of Lt Governor Anil Baijal for past one week, demanding him to direct IAS officers to end their “strike” and approve doorstep delivery scheme of his government.
(With inputs from agencies)