Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal faces a second summons from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the state's liquor policy case. The ED had previously summoned Kejriwal on November 2, which he skipped, citing election campaign commitments in Madhya Pradesh.
Kejriwal, also the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief, highlighted his prior election commitments and termed the summons "illegal" and "politically motivated," demanding its withdrawal. His letter to the ED raised questions about whether the summons was directed at him as an individual or in his official capacities.
The AAP strongly criticized the inquiry, labeling it a "fishing and roving inquiry" and highlighting concerns about political motives behind the probe. In accordance with ED rules, an individual can miss a summons three times before the agency can secure a non-bailable warrant.
This fresh summons revives discussions regarding the potential implication of Kejriwal's party in the case, marking an unprecedented scenario in Indian politics. The Supreme Court had earlier raised questions about the absence of the AAP as an accused in the investigation, alluding to alleged money trails leading to the party and its election campaigns.
The case pertains to allegations that Delhi's revamped alcohol sales policy allowed kickbacks from cartels, allegedly channeled into the party's election expenses in Goa and other states. Both the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) claimed the policy facilitated cartelization and favored specific dealers who purportedly paid bribes for liquor sale licenses.
The AAP vehemently refuted these allegations, emphasizing a significant revenue increase of 27% under the policy, generating ₹8,900 crore for the Delhi government. However, the policy was scrapped in July last year, reverting to the older policy.
Previously, Kejriwal's former deputy, Manish Sisodia, and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh were arrested in connection with the case. Singh, in a recent claim, hinted at a conspiracy to frame Kejriwal without specifying the conspirators, drawing attention to the alleged use of central agencies by the ruling BJP to target political opponents before elections.
The summons for Kejriwal's questioning reignites speculation and scrutiny over the ongoing investigations, intensifying the spotlight on the Delhi Chief Minister and his party amid ongoing political tensions.
