Arrest by Enforcement Directorate: Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi’s Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party chief, has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with an alleged liquor policy scam, marking a historic moment in Indian politics.
First Sitting CM Arrested: Kejriwal’s arrest makes him the first sitting chief minister in independent India to face such action, adding a significant twist to the political landscape just weeks before the Lok Sabha elections.
Condemnation and Allegations: The Aam Aadmi Party strongly condemns the arrest, labeling it as a conspiracy orchestrated by the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to undermine Kejriwal’s influence.
Commitment to Office: Despite the arrest, AAP affirms that Kejriwal will continue to hold his position as Delhi’s chief minister and vows to continue governing, even if it means doing so from jail.
Liquor Policy Scam: The case revolves around alleged irregularities in a liquor policy introduced in November 2021, which was later scrapped in September 2022 due to reported violations and undue benefits to licensees.
Allegations of Money Laundering: The Enforcement Directorate is investigating the money laundering angle in the case, suspecting kickbacks and laundering of proceeds related to the liquor policy.
Protests and Security Measures: Kejriwal’s arrest at his residence sparked protests, leading to the deployment of security personnel outside his home and the detention of several AAP workers.
Confiscation of Phones: During the arrest, authorities confiscated the phones of Kejriwal and his wife for further investigation into the alleged scam.
BJP’s Claims: The BJP alleges that the proceeds from the liquor policy scam were used by AAP to fund its campaign in the 2022 Gujarat Assembly polls, further intensifying the political implications of the case.
