New Delhi, February 14 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has called Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for the sixth time in relation to the Delhi liquor policy case. The policy was instituted in 2021–2022 but was subsequently canceled due to irregularity allegations. The ED is looking into allegations of money laundering connected to the Delhi excise policy case.
ED issues sixth summons to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, asks to join excise policy probe on Feb 19
— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) February 14, 2024
Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/ENKAgNAx0M#ED #DelhiCM #ArvindKejriwal pic.twitter.com/Yhxkio6CTO
Key happenings in the Delhi Liquor Policy Case :
- Six times now, the ED has issued summonses to Arvind Kejriwal, but he has always refused them, arguing that they are “illegal” and politically motivated. This is the sixth time that he has done so. He has not appeared before the ED on February 2, January 31, February 19, December 21, or November 2, 2023, citing a number of reasons, including erroneous notices and election campaigns.
- Court Intervention and Possible Arrest: Based on the ED’s charge, Delhi’s Rouse Avenue court ordered Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal to appear on February 17th and stated that there was a prima facie case for him to ignore the summons. Failure to comply may result in additional legal action, which may involve an arrest.
- Political Accusations and Denials: According to the AAP, the BJP is using the accusations as a political tool to attack AAP leader Kejriwal ahead of the 2024 elections. The BJP disputes this, citing research conducted by impartial organizations.
- Arrests of AAP Leaders: The arrests of two prominent AAP members, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, have escalated political tensions in AAP.
VIDEO | Here’s what BJP Delhi president Virendraa Sachdeva (@Virend_Sachdeva) said on fresh summons issued by ED to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 14, 2024
“I think Arvind Kejriwal should face investigation now after the agency has issued the sixth summon to him. How long will he run from… pic.twitter.com/UhpQEQTgFS
Background of the Delhi Liquor Policy Case:
- Policy Revision: In order to improve the city’s alcohol industry, the Delhi excise policy was implemented in 2021–2022. In addition to adding discounts and promotions, the system was modified to replace its previous one, which was based on sales volume with license fees.
- Investigations and Allegations: According to the ED and CBI, the strategy encouraged cartelization and gave preferential treatment to some dealers by dropping licensing requirements and maybe accepting bribes. They assert that the government lost money as a result of this.
- The AAP vehemently refutes these allegations, claiming that the program enhanced income by 27% and enhanced governance by eliminating corruption in the licensing procedure. They charge that the BJP is using agencies to further its political agenda.
- Policy scrapped and persistent issue: Following the begining of inquiries, the policy was abandoned in July 2022, but the issue persisted. The matter has grown into a significant political hotspot that has an effect on how the public perceives the BJP and AAP.
