A month after Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) defeat in the Delhi Assembly elections, former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal returned to the capital’s political spotlight on Shaheed Diwas, marking his first public appearance since the loss. Kejriwal, who had been staying in Punjab—where AAP remains in power under Bhagwant Mann—joined senior AAP leaders for a commemorative event at the party office on Sunday.

The appearance comes at a time when the newly-formed BJP government in Delhi, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has begun rolling out its key poll promises, including the long-awaited Ayushman Bharat scheme, and the Mahila Samridhi Yojana, which promises Rs 2,500 per month to eligible women. A Rs 5,000 crore allocation has already been announced for the scheme, with the disbursement scheduled to begin by March 8.

The BJP government has also initiated actions such as tabling pending CAG reports from the AAP regime and launching visible administrative changes, including daily ministerial inspections and road improvement works across the city.

Opposition unity over delimitation concerns

Kejriwal’s return also coincides with rising political mobilisation over the delimitation issue, which is expected to gain momentum post-Census 2026. On Saturday, leaders of Opposition-ruled states, including Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Odisha and others, gathered in Chennai for the first Joint Action Committee (JAC) meeting hosted by Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin. The leaders voiced concern that the proposed reallocation of Lok Sabha seats based on population could disproportionately impact states with successful population control policies.

Stalin warned that states like Tamil Nadu could lose parliamentary strength despite their development-focused governance, citing the lack of adequate guarantees from the Centre. The meeting marked a significant Opposition effort to coordinate politically on the issue, with many seeing the exercise as possibly benefiting the Hindi heartland, where the BJP remains strong.

Delhi High Court judge Yashwant Varma has vehemently denied allegations of a currency recovery at his official residence, calling the claims a malicious conspiracy to tarnish his reputation.

In a detailed response submitted to Delhi High Court Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya, Justice Varma asserted that neither he nor any family members had any knowledge of cash being stored in the storeroom where a fire broke out on the night of March 14-15, 2025.

The controversy began after a fire incident at Justice Varma’s Lutyens’ Delhi residence, located near the staff quarters. Media reports alleged that a stash of cash was discovered in the storeroom, prompting an in-house probe initiated by Supreme Court Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna. Justice Varma, however, has dismissed these allegations as baseless and defamatory.

In his response, Justice Varma clarified that the storeroom in question was a common area used to store unused furniture, garden tools, old carpets, and other miscellaneous items. He emphasized that the room was unlocked and accessible to all, completely disconnected from his living quarters.

“Neither I nor any of my family members had any knowledge of cash, nor does it have any bearing or relation with me or my family. No such cash or currency was shown to my family members or staff who were present on that fateful night,” Justice Varma stated.

He also refuted claims that he or his family removed any currency from the storeroom, adding that the debris from the fire remains untouched in one part of the residence. “The very idea that we stored cash in an open, freely accessible storeroom is preposterous,” he said.

Justice Varma recounted that the fire broke out around midnight while he and his wife were travelling in Madhya Pradesh. Only his daughter and elderly mother were at home at the time. His daughter and private secretary immediately alerted the fire department, whose calls are duly recorded.

“During the firefighting operation, all staff and household members were asked to move away for safety reasons. When they returned after the fire was doused, no cash or currency was found at the scene,” he explained.

Justice Varma expressed disappointment with the media for not conducting proper inquiries before publishing the allegations. “I only wish the media had conducted some enquiry before I came to be indicted and defamed in the press,” he said, adding that the storeroom was not part of his living area and was separated by a boundary wall.

The Supreme Court has confirmed that Delhi High Court Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya has initiated an in-house inquiry into the matter. Additionally, there are reports of a proposal to transfer Justice Varma to the Allahabad High Court, though no official decision has been announced.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid tribute to Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev on their martyrdom day, honouring their sacrifice in the struggle against British colonial rule.

Taking to X, PM Modi said, “Today, our nation remembers the supreme sacrifice of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev. Their fearless pursuit of freedom and justice continues to inspire us all.” He also reflected on their youth, adding, “All three of them were under 25 when they embraced martyrdom.”

The legacy of March 23, 1931

On this day in 1931, Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru and Sukhdev Thapar were hanged by the British authorities in Lahore Central Jail for their involvement in the assassination of British police officer J.P. Saunders. This act was in retaliation for the death of freedom leader Lala Lajpat Rai, who succumbed to injuries inflicted during a peaceful protest.

The execution of these three young men — all under the age of 25 — shook the nation and intensified the freedom movement. Their story of sacrifice and commitment to justice remains a symbol of undying patriotism and revolutionary spirit.

This day is not just about remembering the past; it is also a call to uphold the ideals of freedom, unity, justice, and progress that these martyrs stood for. As India moves forward, the revolutionary thoughts of these heroes continue to serve as guiding principles.

Their legacy continues to resonate with generations of Indians, symbolising unwavering dedication to the cause of justice and liberty.