Police Can't Silence Public Voice': Kejriwal Accuses Centre of Trying to Derail Anti-E20 Town Hall

New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Central government, alleging that it is using the police to obstruct the party's proposed National Town Hall Against E-20, scheduled for August 1 at 12 noon at the Constitution Club in New Delhi. Despite what he described as repeated attempts to stop the event, Kejriwal asserted that the town hall would be held as planned.

Speaking at a press conference at the AAP headquarters, Kejriwal claimed that the venue had already been booked after completing all formalities, including payment and issuance of the booking receipt. According to him, the police initially approached the Constitution Club management and allegedly asked them to cancel the booking. However, he said the club declined to do so, citing that the reservation had already been confirmed. Kejriwal further alleged that the police then turned to the organisers, asking them to obtain permission for the programme.

Calling the demand "baseless," the former Delhi Chief Minister argued that indoor events do not require prior police permission under existing rules. He alleged that despite this, organisers were being pressured and threatened in an effort to prevent the gathering from taking place."

The government first tried to get the Constitution Club to cancel our booking. When that failed, the police started insisting that we obtain permission. There is no legal requirement to seek approval for indoor activities, yet threats are being issued to stop the event," Kejriwal said.

He accused the Centre of attempting to suppress public debate over the E-20 policy even before the event could be held. According to Kejriwal, the government's actions indicate that it is uncomfortable with growing public opposition to the issue.

Taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kejriwal questioned why permission would suddenly be needed for an indoor meeting. He sarcastically asked whether citizens would also have to seek permission for routine activities such as eating, drinking, bathing or sleeping.

He also alleged that the government was relying on police action to discourage public participation but insisted that such tactics would not succeed. "People have already shown that they are not afraid of police pressure. The government may use force or even send people to jail, but it cannot stop citizens from raising their voice," he said.

Reiterating AAP's stand against the E-20 policy, Kejriwal claimed that the Centre would ultimately be forced to withdraw it. "The Prime Minister will have to roll back E-20. It is better to do it peacefully. Otherwise, the people of this country will ensure that it is withdrawn," he said.

The AAP leader maintained that the National Town Hall Against E-20 will go ahead on August 1 from 12 pm at the Constitution Club, despite what he described as administrative hurdles and police intervention. The event is expected to bring together voices opposing the E-20 policy, with the party positioning it as a platform for public discussion and democratic participation.