Centre approves ED prosecution against Kejriwal.
The former chief minister has been labeled the “kingpin and key conspirator” of the alleged Delhi excise “scam” by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The ED claims that he played a central role in the case, which has garnered significant political and public attention ahead of the Delhi polls, further intensifying the controversy surrounding the matter.
Centre Grants ED Sanction to Prosecute Arvind Kejriwal in Excise Policy Case
New Delhi: In a significant development ahead of the Delhi Assembly polls, the Union Home Ministry on Wednesday, January 15, approved the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to prosecute former Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy-linked money laundering case.
The ED filed a chargesheet against the 56-year-old politician last year before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court after arresting him in March. Kejriwal, currently out on bail in the case, is contesting the Delhi Assembly elections from the New Delhi seat.
Allegations and the Excise Policy Case
The excise case centers on allegations of corruption and money laundering linked to the formulation and implementation of the Delhi government’s excise policy for 2021-22. The policy, which aimed to overhaul the liquor trade in the national capital, was later scrapped following accusations of irregularities.
Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena had recommended a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged discrepancies. Acting on this recommendation, the CBI filed a First Information Report (FIR) on August 17, 2022. Five days later, on August 22, 2022, the ED registered a money laundering case under the PMLA to investigate the financial aspects of the alleged irregularities.
The ED has described Kejriwal as the “kingpin and key conspirator” in the case, accusing him of playing a central role in the alleged scam. The chargesheet outlines claims of corruption, illicit financial transactions, and money laundering tied to the excise policy’s execution.
Political Ramifications
This development comes at a critical time, as Kejriwal and the AAP gear up for the Delhi Assembly polls. The move to prosecute Kejriwal is likely to escalate political tensions between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the Centre and the AAP government in Delhi.
The AAP has consistently denied allegations of wrongdoing and accused the BJP of using central agencies like the ED and CBI for political vendetta. Kejriwal, who has been a vocal critic of the BJP, has claimed that the charges are baseless and aimed at maligning his reputation ahead of the elections.
AAP’s Defense
The AAP leadership has strongly defended Kejriwal, calling the allegations a politically motivated attempt to derail their campaign. Senior party members have pointed to Kejriwal’s track record of governance and alleged that the BJP is trying to intimidate its opponents using central agencies.
“Arvind Kejriwal has always stood for transparency and accountability. These baseless allegations are nothing more than an attempt to distract voters,” said an AAP spokesperson.
The party has also highlighted its achievements in sectors such as education, healthcare, and public services to rally support among voters.
Opposition’s Reaction
The BJP, meanwhile, has used the charges to target AAP, accusing it of widespread corruption and mismanagement. BJP leaders have demanded accountability and urged voters to consider the allegations seriously.
“The people of Delhi deserve to know the truth about the excise policy scam and the role played by the AAP leadership,” a BJP leader remarked.
Legal and Electoral Implications
The sanction for prosecution adds a legal dimension to the electoral battle. Kejriwal’s bail status and the ongoing investigation could influence voter perceptions as the election approaches. Legal experts believe that the timing of the prosecution approval could impact the narrative surrounding the polls, with both sides likely to leverage the development to their advantage.
Conclusion
The Union Home Ministry’s decision to approve the ED’s prosecution of Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy case marks a significant moment in Delhi’s political landscape. While the legal proceedings will unfold in due course, the immediate impact on the Assembly polls cannot be understated.
As the campaign intensifies, AAP’s defense of its leader and the BJP’s critique of the alleged scam will dominate the discourse. The outcome of the elections will serve as a litmus test for the public’s response to these developments and the broader dynamics of governance and accountability in Delhi.