Delhi Minister Kailash Gahlot summoned by ED in excise Policy Case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Delhi Transport Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Kailash Gahlot in connection with the Delhi excise policy case. Sources indicate that the probe agency has issued these summons to Gahlot for questioning as part of its ongoing investigation into a money laundering case associated with the Delhi excise policy.

This development follows the recent arrest of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21 in the same case. The summons issued to Gahlot suggests a widening scope of the investigation into the alleged financial irregularities surrounding the Delhi excise policy.

In response to Kejriwal’s arrest, AAP leader and Delhi Minister Gopal Rai announced that several prominent leaders from the INDIA alliance would participate in a rally at Ramlila Maidan on March 31 to show support for the Chief Minister. Leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Sharad Pawar, and others have confirmed their participation in this rally.

 However, amidst these developments, the Hindu Sena filed a fresh petition in the Delhi High Court seeking the removal of Arvind Kejriwal from the post of Chief Minister. The petition urges the court to direct Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor to dismiss Kejriwal from his position and govern Delhi through the Central Government via the LG.

Responding to his extended custody until April 1, Arvind Kejriwal’s wife, Sunita Kejriwal, initiated a WhatsApp campaign titled ‘Kejriwal ko Aashirwaad.’ This move seems to be a show of public support for the Chief Minister amidst the legal challenges he is facing.

During a court appearance, Arvind Kejriwal criticized the ED’s investigation into the alleged liquor scam, stating that the real scam began post the ED’s involvement. He maintained that the accusations against him have not been proven despite the case being ongoing for two years.

In light of Kejriwal’s arrest, the INDIA bloc is set to hold a protest outside the BJP headquarters in the national capital, with participation expected from Congress, AAP, and Left parties. This demonstration reflects the political turmoil surrounding Kejriwal’s arrest and the subsequent legal proceedings.

Overall, these developments underscore the heightened political tensions and legal battles unfolding in Delhi, centering around allegations of financial impropriety and the response from various political factions.