Union Minister and BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi launched a scathing attack on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) over alleged corruption in the city’s liquor excise policy and water development authority. Lekhi praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that he had faced questioning for 12 hours during the investigation into the 2002 Gujarat riots. She criticized Kejriwal for his alleged drama and corruption.
The attack by Lekhi comes in the midst of a conflict between Kejriwal and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which has summoned the Delhi Chief Minister five times for questioning in the liquor policy case. Kejriwal has chosen not to appear and could potentially face arrest by the central agency. The AAP and other opposition parties have accused the BJP of using the ED to target their rivals ahead of elections. The ED is investigating alleged money laundering and “undue benefits” to liquor cartels as a result of the November 2021 excise policy.
Prior to Lekhi’s comments, Delhi Minister Atishi claimed that the ED case against the AAP was based on statements made by accused-turned-approvers. She asserted that the AAP leaders had been threatened in relation to the supposed liquor scam and emphasized the lack of concrete evidence and recovery of any illicit funds by the ED.
Lekhi also criticized the alleged corruption and money laundering within the Delhi Jal Board, which led to the arrest of two individuals, including a retired chief engineer and a contractor. Additionally, three senior AAP leaders, including former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, former Health Minister Satyendra Jain, and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, have been arrested in connection with various cases.
Lekhi accused the AAP-led Delhi government of being power-hungry and solely focused on publicity. She claimed that they were willing to engage in corruption to maintain their hold on power.
In response to the allegations, Kejriwal accused the BJP of attempting to poach AAP lawmakers. He stated that he would not bow down to their pressure and refused to join the BJP.
The Crime Branch of Delhi Police, which reports to the Union Home Ministry, has served notice to Kejriwal and Atishi, asking them to respond within three days. The BJP has denied the allegations, labeling them as false and baseless.
Arvind Kejriwal is an Indian politician and the Chief Minister of Delhi. He is the founder of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and has been serving as the Chief Minister since 2015. Kejriwal is known for his anti-corruption stance and populist policies.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued summons to Arvind Kejriwal in connection with a money laundering case related to the alleged irregularities in the Delhi Liquor Policy. The case involves the alleged violation of rules and favoritism in granting licenses for the sale of liquor in the national capital.
Meenakshi Lekhi is a Member of Parliament from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She has been a vocal critic of Arvind Kejriwal and has raised concerns about the alleged corruption and mismanagement in the Delhi government.
The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) is the government agency responsible for the supply of water in the national capital. It is headed by Arvind Kejriwal as the Chairman of the Board. The DJB has been under scrutiny for issues related to water scarcity, leakages, and mismanagement. Many critics have accused the DJB of failing to address the water crisis effectively.
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