Aam Aadmi Party ko harane ke liye Modi Ji Ko Dusra Janam Lena hoga : Kejriwal
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has reportedly skipped the fifth summons from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding the ongoing investigation into irregularities in the Delhi excise policy for the year 2021-22. In response to the latest summon, Kejriwal shared a bold video statement in English and Hindi, declaring the probe as “illegal and politically motivated.”
In the video, Kejriwal stated, “कहता हूँ मोदी जी, मुझे जेल में भी डाल दोगे तो Jail से भी आम आदमी पार्टी जीत जाएगी. मोदी जी, इस जन्म में तो आप दिल्ली में AAP को नहीं हरा सकते, AAP को हराने के लिए आपको दूसरा जन्म लेना पड़ेगा.
“Arvind Kejriwal posted this video on November 17th.”
Kejriwal had previously skipped summons on November 2, December 22, and January 3 and January 18, consistently labeling the investigation as “illegal and politically motivated.”
The ED has now issued a fresh, and the fifth, summons, requiring Kejriwal’s appearance this week, citing its money laundering probe linked to irregularities in the Delhi excise policy 2021-22.
In response to the earlier summons, Kejriwal expressed readiness to cooperate but alleged that the agency’s intention was to arrest him and prevent him from campaigning for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
The ED has specified its interest in questioning Kejriwal regarding the formulation of the excise policy, pre-finalization meetings, and allegations of bribery.
The agency recently filed its sixth charge sheet on December 2, 2023, implicating AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh and his aide Sarvesh Mishra. The charge sheet claims that AAP utilized kickbacks amounting to ₹45 crore, generated through the excise policy, for its assembly elections campaign in Goa in 2022.
This revelation, indicating AAP as a direct beneficiary, is expected to be incorporated in the next charge sheet against the party. The ED alleges total bribes of ₹100 crore were paid to AAP leaders in connection with the excise policy.
ED has previously stated that the bribes generated were used to fund the poll campaign. This is the first time the agency has mentioned the specific amount of purported kickbacks.
The ongoing investigation implicates Kejriwal as the brainchild behind the excise policy. He has been mentioned in remand papers in connection with alleged meetings, commissions for private players, and the entry of political players and businesspeople from the south into Delhi’s liquor business.
So far, the financial crimes probe agency has filed six charge sheets in this investigation against 31 individuals and entities, including former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia and Singh, both of whom are currently lodged in Tihar jail.
The excise policy, initially aimed at revitalizing the city’s liquor business, promised swankier stores, a better buying experience, and introduced discounts and offers on liquor purchases for the first time in Delhi. However, it was later scrapped following a probe into alleged irregularities initiated by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena.
The AAP accused Saxena’s predecessor, Anil Baijal, of sabotaging the move with last-minute changes that resulted in lower-than-expected revenues.
