The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has escalated its scrutiny of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the ongoing probe into alleged financial irregularities surrounding the city’s excise policy. Despite previous summons, Kejriwal has reportedly continued to evade interrogation by the financial crimes probe agency since November 2023. In response, the ED has now issued fresh summons, marking the seventh occasion, requesting Kejriwal’s appearance before them on February 26, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The focus of the investigation revolves around purported kickbacks amounting to ₹100 crore allegedly received by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, including Kejriwal himself, in connection with the implementation of the excise policy. The ED claims that these funds were utilized for election campaigning, with particular mention made of the AAP’s assembly elections campaign in Goa in 2022, where kickbacks worth ₹45 crore were allegedly utilized.
The excise policy, which aimed to rejuvenate Delhi’s liquor business by transitioning from a sales-volume-based regime to a license fee system for traders, has come under intense scrutiny. The policy promised a revamped purchasing experience, including discounts and offers on liquor purchases for the first time in the city.
Kejriwal’s purported involvement in the formulation and execution of the excise policy has been emphasized by the ED, which has described it as his “brainchild.” References to alleged meetings and commissions for private players have been cited in remand papers, implicating Kejriwal further in the investigation.
The ED’s probe has already led to the filing of six charge sheets against 31 individuals and entities, including former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh. Both Sisodia and Singh are currently detained in Tihar jail. The agency’s findings indicating direct benefits to the AAP are anticipated to be included in its upcoming charge sheet.
Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena’s decision to initiate an investigation into alleged irregularities within the excise policy regime ultimately led to its termination. The AAP has accused Saxena’s predecessor, Anil Baijal, of undermining the policy with last-minute alterations that resulted in lower-than-expected revenues.
The escalating legal battle between the ED and senior AAP figures underscores the complexity and sensitivity of the allegations surrounding the excise policy. As the investigation unfolds, all eyes remain on the developments that could have significant implications for Delhi’s political landscape.
Souces By Agencies