National Town Hall Against E-20 Will Be Held at Constitution Club on August 1 From 12 Noon: Arvind Kejriwal
Punjab E News (PEN News): Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday hit out at the Modi government over attempts to stop the National Town Hall Against E-20, scheduled to be held at the Constitution Club on August 1. He said the venue had already been booked and paid for, but the police first pressured the Constitution Club to cancel the booking and, after the club refused, began insisting that the organisers obtain permission for the event despite no such requirement for indoor gatherings.
Reiterating that the town hall would be held as scheduled at 12 noon on August 1, the AAP Chief said the Prime Minister would have to withdraw the E-20 policy, adding that if it was not withdrawn voluntarily, the people would ensure its withdrawal.
Addressing a press conference at the AAP headquarters, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal said, “We had announced that we would hold the National Town Hall Against E-20 this Saturday. But before the town hall could even begin, the police reached the venue. PM Modi has already accepted defeat and is now trying to stop the town hall through the police.”
The AAP Chief said, “The police first approached the Constitution Club and told them not to give us permission or approval. The club informed them that the approval had already been granted, the payment had been made, the receipt had been issued, and the booking had been confirmed. When the police asked them to cancel the booking, the club refused. After that, the police came to us and started saying that we must obtain permission.”
Arvind Kejriwal said that no permission has ever been required in this country for an indoor event. “I want to ask the Prime Minister to tell us what permission we are supposed to obtain. Do we also need permission to eat, drink, bathe, and sleep?” he asked.
Urging the Prime Minister not to use the police to intimidate people, Arvind Kejriwal said, “Do not threaten us through the police. The people have already shown that they are not afraid of Modi Ji’s police. At most, the government can lathi-charge people or send them to jail. It has already tried all of that, but the people of this country do not give in.”
Reiterating his demand for the withdrawal of the E-20 policy, Arvind Kejriwal said, “The Prime Minister will have to withdraw E-20. He should withdraw it peacefully. Otherwise, the people will force its withdrawal.”
