Punjab BJP Delegation Presses Election Commission For ED Investigation Into State’s Excise Policy, Alleging Similar Liquor Scam To Delhi

On Saturday, a delegation from the Punjab BJP held discussions with the state’s chief electoral officer, urging for a similar probe by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) into the alleged liquor “scam” in Punjab, akin to the investigation initiated in Delhi.

Sunil Jakhar, the Punjab BJP president and member of the delegation, asserted that the liquor policy model adopted in Delhi has also been replicated in Punjab. Jakhar highlighted, “The Delhi model of liquor policy has also been implemented in Punjab. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated an inquiry into this matter. On May 30, 2022, a meeting was convened, attended by Manish Sisodia, Raghav Chadha, the Excise Minister, and departmental officials, wherein directives were issued for its implementation.”

The delegation conveyed its plea to the state chief electoral officer, emphasizing the importance of an ED investigation into the matter. Jakhar emphasized that failing to do so would prompt them to escalate the matter to the Election Commission of India.

Furthermore, Jakhar alleged that the purported liquor scam in Punjab is of substantial magnitude, amounting to thousands of crores. He juxtaposed it with the situation in Delhi, where the alleged misappropriation was estimated at Rs. 100 crores. He criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), particularly highlighting the recent deaths of 21 individuals due to illicit liquor in the Chief Minister’s constituency, labeling it as a matter of great disgrace for a party that touts itself as being staunchly honest.

It’s pertinent to note that Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi and the Chief of AAP, was apprehended by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday in connection with the alleged Delhi excise policy case.

The Punjab BJP’s initiative underscores the escalating political discourse surrounding the alleged irregularities in the liquor policy implementation, with the party seeking thorough investigations akin to those pursued in Delhi. The comparison drawn between the magnitude of the alleged scam in Punjab and the situation in Delhi highlights the seriousness with which the BJP views the matter.

The forthcoming actions, including potential engagement with the Election Commission of India, signify the party’s commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in electoral processes, particularly concerning issues of public concern like the alleged mismanagement in the liquor sector.