In a dramatic turn of events, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal skipped the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) fifth summons on Friday, deepening the political turmoil surrounding the money laundering case linked to the now-scrapped excise policy 2021-22. This development unfolded concurrently as leaders of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) gathered in the capital for a protest against alleged malpractices by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Table of Contents
AAP’s Defiant Stand Against BJP: “Theft of Votes” Protest Unfolds
Kejriwal, along with his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann, was slated to lead the protest outside the BJP headquarters at 11 a.m. The AAP, in a strong statement, accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of orchestrating a plan to arrest Kejriwal and dismantle the AAP-led government. The party boldly declared their resistance, emphasizing that they would not let such a scenario unfold. The ED summons was promptly dismissed by the AAP as illegal, asserting that Kejriwal would only respond to “legally sound” summons.
Protest Sparked by Chandigarh Mayoral Election Controversy
The timing of the AAP’s protest announcement against BJP’s alleged malpractices was intriguing. It came just over an hour after news broke about the ED issuing fresh summons to Kejriwal. The recent Chandigarh mayoral election, won by the BJP amidst claims of vote tampering, served as a catalyst for the AAP’s strong stance. Kejriwal pointed fingers at electoral malpractice, accusing the BJP of rigging the ballot and expressing concerns about the broader implications for the upcoming general elections.
Kejriwal’s Distress: AAP Members Detained, Security Tightened
Credit: TOM
Taking to social media platform X, Kejriwal revealed that police were detaining AAP lawmakers and volunteers en route to the protest site. Expressing his dismay, he questioned the unfolding events, raising concerns about the increasing authoritarian measures being taken. Cabinet colleague Atishi echoed these sentiments on X, highlighting the imposition of barricades across Delhi, the detainment of AAP volunteers, and the deployment of hundreds of paramilitary forces outside the AAP office. Atishi questioned the BJP’s apprehension towards a protest centered around the Chandigarh mayoral elections, emphasizing the party’s commitment to democratic dissent.
BJP Responds: Allegations of Political Vendetta
In response to Kejriwal’s defiance and the AAP’s allegations, BJP leader Harish Khurana expressed little surprise at Kejriwal’s decision to skip the ED summons. Khurana challenged Kejriwal to seek legal recourse if he believed the summons were illegal, drawing parallels with former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s situation. The BJP insisted that the ED’s inquiry aimed at asking crucial questions regarding the money laundering case and urged Kejriwal not to cry foul if strict actions were taken.
Excise Policy Saga: From Promise to Scandal
The backdrop of the ED investigation is the controversial excise policy of 2021-22 initiated by the Delhi government. The policy sought to revitalize the liquor business by transitioning from a sales-volume-based regime to a license-fee-based system. Promising swankier stores, a better buying experience, and introducing discounts on liquor purchases for the first time in Delhi, the policy was positioned as a reformative move.
However, the policy faced a sudden demise when Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena recommended a probe into alleged irregularities. The AAP alleged that Saxena’s predecessor sabotaged the policy with last-minute changes, leading to lower-than-expected revenues.
ED’s Allegations: Kickbacks and Political Vendetta Claims
The ED entered the fray with allegations of kickbacks amounting to ₹100 crore in connection to the excise policy. It further claimed that some of this money was used in the AAP’s election campaign in Goa. The arrests of top AAP leaders, Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, followed. The AAP vehemently denied all charges, labeling the entire case a “witch-hunt” and a “political vendetta” orchestrated by the Union government.
Traffic Chaos Amidst Political Storm: Central Delhi Grapples with Disruptions
Credit:The Free Press Journal
As the political storm unfolded, the streets of central Delhi faced severe traffic disruptions. DDU Marg, a prominent thoroughfare, was barricaded between ITO Chowk and Minto Road, forcing traffic diversions for commuters traveling to and from New Delhi railway station. The chaos extended to various routes connecting central and east Delhi, with bumper-to-bumper traffic reported on key arteries.
The social media handles of the traffic police were flooded with complaints about the lack of timely traffic advisories. Despite the challenges, the police assured commuters of sufficient personnel to assist and manage the situation.
Seeking Public Opinion: AAP Contemplates Kejriwal’s Resignation
Amidst the unfolding chaos, the AAP turned to the public, seeking feedback on whether Kejriwal should step down as chief minister if arrested. This move underscores the party’s attempt to galvanize public support and portray the ED’s actions as politically motivated.
Conclusion
The political landscape in Delhi is witnessing a tumultuous phase as Kejriwal’s defiance, coupled with AAP’s protest and the ED’s relentless pursuit, converge to create a gripping narrative. The events unfolding in the heart of the nation’s capital not only reflect the power struggle between political entities but also raise questions about the intersection of law, politics, and public sentiment. As the situation continues to evolve, the repercussions of these developments may echo far beyond the corridors of power in Delhi.
