Following Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s agreement to appear virtually before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) after March 12, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla criticized Kejriwal, highlighting his apparent reluctance to comply with the investigation into the alleged liquor policy scam. Poonawalla accused Kejriwal of forgetting his previous stance of “first resignation then investigation” in light of the Delhi liquor policy scandal. He suggested that Kejriwal’s association with RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav was influencing his approach to the investigation.
Poonawalla emphasized the seriousness of the allegations against Kejriwal, labeling him as the alleged mastermind behind the liquor scam. He questioned Kejriwal’s decision-making process regarding his appearance before the ED, stating that it raised unprecedented legal concerns. Poonawalla highlighted Kejriwal’s deviation from his earlier principles under the influence of different political mentors.
Additionally, BJP spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill criticized Kejriwal’s approach, asserting that in India, the law prevails over any individual’s arrogance. Shergill emphasized that Kejriwal’s preference for a virtual appearance did not align with the legal requirements of the investigation.
Meanwhile, Arvind Kejriwal, in response to the ED’s summons, deemed them illegal but expressed willingness to cooperate by agreeing to a virtual appearance after March 12. Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj reiterated Kejriwal’s stance, describing the summons as illegal but confirming Kejriwal’s readiness to engage with the ED.
The ED’s recent summons to Kejriwal are part of an ongoing probe into alleged irregularities in the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22. The investigation revolves around issues such as the formulation of policy, pre-implementation meetings, and allegations of bribery. Kejriwal had previously skipped multiple summons, terming them as illegal and politically motivated.
The case, based on an FIR alleging irregularities in the formation and execution of the Delhi excise policy, implicates several AAP leaders, including Sanjay Singh and Manish Sisodia. The ED alleges that kickbacks generated through the policy were utilized for the AAP’s election campaign in Goa in 2022.
The Delhi excise policy aimed to revitalize the liquor business in the city but was scrapped following allegations of corruption. Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena’s order for a probe into irregularities prompted the policy’s cancellation. The case has already led to the arrest of AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh.
Kejriwal’s response to the ED’s summons continues to spark debate, with the BJP raising concerns over his alleged reluctance to cooperate fully with the investigation.
