Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal may choose to forego his fourth summons from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) set for Thursday, January 18, citing a pre-announced visit to Goa. The ED has called him in connection with the money laundering investigation related to the Delhi excise policy case. Kejriwal, who is also the head of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), is scheduled to assess the party’s readiness in Goa for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections during his three-day visit.
In response to queries from reporters, Kejriwal stated, “We will act as per law.” The BJP accused Kejriwal of evasive behavior, with Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor alleging that the CM is behaving like a fugitive.
Kejriwal has skipped three prior summons, labeling them as “illegal and politically motivated.” The ED issued the latest summons on January 13, a day after the AAP announced Kejriwal’s Goa tour. The AAP contends that the summons are an attempt to hinder Kejriwal’s campaigning.
The Delhi government’s 2021-22 excise policy, designed to rejuvenate the city’s liquor business, faced controversy, leading to a premature end. The ED alleges kickbacks of ₹100 crore were received by the AAP to finalize the policy, some of which was purportedly used in the party’s Goa election campaign. Notably, former Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia and AAP Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh have been arrested in connection with the case.
Kejriwal and the AAP have consistently objected to the summons, claiming the lack of clarity on his role—whether as a witness or suspect, chief minister or AAP chief. They argue that the ED has not provided details of its questioning. Kejriwal has also asserted that the BJP-led central government aims to arrest him before the 2024 elections.
The ED has approached the court seeking permission to investigate the AAP as a beneficiary of the “proceeds of crime.” Kejriwal, Sisodia, Singh, and the AAP have vehemently denied all charges, labeling the case as a “witch-hunt” and “political vendetta” orchestrated by the Union government. The party has initiated a campaign seeking public feedback on whether Kejriwal should step down as chief minister if arrested.
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