The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, V K Saxena, has given approval to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to prosecute Arvind Kejriwal, the chief of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), in connection to a case involving irregularities in the excise policy of Delhi. The ED had sought permission from the Chief Secretary in December last year to prosecute Kejriwal and his former deputy Manish Sisodia. However, the AAP has denied any such sanction and accused the ED of mishandling the case and trying to politically malign the party. The investigation into the alleged liquor scam has been dragging on for two years, resulting in harassment and inconvenience for hundreds of people, without any evidence of corruption being found.
Delhi Excise Policy: AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal Faces Prosecution Approval
The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, V K Saxena, has granted permission to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to commence a prosecution against Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi and National Convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), in connection with alleged irregularities in the Delhi excise policy.
Background
In 2021, the Delhi government introduced a new excise policy that aimed to streamline the sale and distribution of liquor in the city. However, allegations of irregularities and corruption emerged shortly after its implementation. The ED initiated an investigation into the matter, alleging that irregularities in the policy led to financial losses for the Delhi government.
In December 2022, the ED sought permission from the Chief Secretary to prosecute Kejriwal and his then-deputy, Manish Sisodia, for their alleged involvement in the case. The AAP leadership has vehemently denied the allegations, stating that the ED is politically targeting the party.
Investigation and Allegations
The ED has accused Kejriwal and other AAP leaders of conspiring with private liquor companies to benefit them financially. It alleged that the new excise policy was formulated in a manner that gave undue advantages to certain companies and led to the embezzlement of funds.
The AAP has refuted these allegations, claiming that the investigation is politically motivated and lacks any credible evidence. The party has accused the BJP-led central government of using the ED to harass and malign its political opponents.
Current Status
With the approval of the Lieutenant Governor, the ED can now initiate the prosecution process against Kejriwal. The AAP has stated that it will challenge the prosecution in court and continue to fight for the truth.
Top 5 FAQs
Q: What is the Delhi excise policy?
A: The Delhi excise policy is a set of regulations that govern the sale, distribution, and consumption of liquor in Delhi.
Q: What are the allegations against Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia?
A: The ED alleges that they conspired with private liquor companies to benefit them financially through the new excise policy.
Q: What is the AAP's response to the allegations?
A: The AAP has denied the allegations and accused the ED of political targeting.
Q: What are the potential consequences if Kejriwal is convicted?
A: If convicted, Kejriwal could face jail time and disqualification from holding public office.
Q: What are the next steps in the case?
A: The ED will initiate the prosecution process against Kejriwal, and the AAP is expected to challenge it in court.
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