Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning in the ongoing investigation related to the liquor policy case. This marks the second instance of the central agency summoning the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, with the previous call taking place on November 2. During the first summons, Mr. Kejriwal, citing election campaign commitments in Madhya Pradesh, abstained from appearing before the ED.
In response to the initial summons, Kejriwal had communicated to the ED, highlighting his absence due to election-related engagements and labeling the call as “illegal” and “politically motivated,” urging its withdrawal. He pointedly questioned the summons, seeking clarification on whether it was directed toward him individually, as the Chief Minister of Delhi, or as the National Convener of AAP.
Both Kejriwal and the AAP have strongly criticized the investigation, labeling it as an unfocused and intrusive inquiry. According to procedural guidelines, an individual can miss a summons three times before the agency can obtain a non-bailable warrant.
This development follows prior questioning by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in April, where Kejriwal, questioned for nine hours as a witness, dismissed the inquiry, asserting the absence of evidence against him or the party. The renewed summons has sparked discussions about the potential involvement of the AAP as an accused, an unprecedented situation in Indian politics, as raised by the Supreme Court previously.
The case, linked to the Delhi liquor policy of 2022, alleges that the revised alcohol sales policy led to kickbacks reaching the AAP from liquor cartels, purportedly channeled into election funding for the party’s campaigns in various states, including Goa. Authorities have specifically accused the policy of favoring select dealers and enabling cartelization through illicit payments for liquor licenses.
The AAP vehemently denies these allegations, asserting a 27% revenue increase and ₹8,900 crore income generated through the policy, which was later revoked in July last year, reverting to the previous policy.
Previously, former Deputy Manish Sisodia and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh were arrested in connection with this case. Singh recently alleged a conspiracy against Kejriwal without explicitly naming the ruling BJP, hinting at alleged misuse of central agencies to target political opponents before the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections and various state polls.
As the 2024 Lok Sabha election and several state elections approach, the ongoing investigations against prominent political figures like Kejriwal continue to fuel debates and political speculation across the country.
Sources By Agencies
