The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued fresh summons to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, requiring his appearance on February 2 in connection with an ongoing money laundering case linked to alleged irregularities in the Delhi excise policy for the year 2021-22. This marks the fifth time Kejriwal has been summoned in connection with the case, a matter that has escalated into a political and legal standoff.
Kejriwal, also the national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has consistently objected to the ED summons, labeling them as “illegal and politically motivated.” The Delhi Chief Minister has skipped four previous summons, claiming that the lack of clarity on whether he is being called as a witness or suspect, in his capacity as Chief Minister or AAP chief, has hindered his response.
In a countermove, Kejriwal, along with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is set to hold a protest on February 2, the same day as the ED summons, against alleged malpractice by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during the recently concluded Chandigarh mayoral election. The protest is planned outside the BJP headquarters in New Delhi.
While the AAP officials did not immediately comment on whether Kejriwal would comply with the fresh ED summons, AAP chief spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar stated, “We have received information about the fifth summons. Our legal team is studying it, and whatever is right as per the law will be done.”
Kejriwal, in the past, has accused the ED of being part of a political conspiracy to impede his participation in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The federal agency has maintained its intent to question Kejriwal on the formulation of the excise policy, pre-policy meetings, and allegations of bribery.
The BJP, in response to Kejriwal’s actions, accused him of making a “mockery” of the Constitution by evading the previous four summons. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva commented, “He is trying to escape by making new excuses.” Leader of the opposition in the Delhi assembly Ramvir Singh Bidhuri urged Kejriwal to face the ED, emphasizing the public’s interest in knowing about those involved in the liquor scam.
The ED alleges that the AAP received kickbacks of ₹100 crore to finalize the excise policy, with some of the funds allegedly used in the party’s Goa elections campaign. The agency has already arrested 14 top AAP leaders, including former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and parliamentarian Sanjay Singh, in connection with the case. AAP, Kejriwal, Sisodia, and Singh have vehemently denied all charges, branding the investigation as a “witch-hunt” and “political vendetta” orchestrated by the Union government. The party has also initiated a public campaign seeking feedback on whether Kejriwal should step down as Chief Minister if arrested.
Sources By Agencies