Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been issued a sixth summons by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to appear for questioning in connection with the liquor excise policy case in the national capital. This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing probe, with Mr. Kejriwal having previously skipped five summons from the ED.
The case revolves around allegations that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s revamped alcohol sales policy allowed it to receive crores in kickbacks from cartels. It is alleged that this money was channeled into funding poll expenses in Goa and other states. Both the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have accused the AAP government of allowing cartelization and favoring certain dealers who paid bribes for liquor sale licenses.
Mr. Kejriwal, who has been questioned by the CBI in the past, has not been named as an accused so far. However, his repeated refusal to comply with the ED’s summons has intensified the legal battle, raising the prospect of him being the first sitting chief minister to be arrested.
The AAP has vehemently denied all allegations, claiming that Mr. Kejriwal is being targeted by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Despite facing legal scrutiny, the party has maintained its stance, asserting that the ED’s summons are illegal.
This latest development comes amid a bitter political feud between the AAP and the BJP, with both parties trading accusations and engaging in verbal sparring. While Union Minister Anurag Thakur has accused Mr. Kejriwal of being embroiled in corruption, the AAP has accused the central government of using probe agencies to intimidate and silence the party.
As Mr. Kejriwal prepares to appear before the ED on Monday, the case continues to garner attention, highlighting the complex dynamics of political power play and legal scrutiny in India’s capital city.
Sources By Agencies
