Arvind Kejriwal's Troubles Mount Ahead of Delhi Elections; Home Ministry Clears ED Prosecution in Liquor Scam
Delhi: With the Delhi Assembly elections underway, and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal aiming for a hat-trick victory, a recent development has heightened tensions. The liquor scam case has once again grabbed headlines just before the Delhi elections. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has granted permission to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to prosecute Arvind Kejriwal. This decision comes just before the February 5th voting and the February 8th declaration of results.
ED Granted Permission in Liquor Scam
Reports indicate that the MHA has approved the prosecution of Arvind Kejriwal under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Previously, a special PMLA court in Delhi had stayed the framing of charges against Kejriwal. Kejriwal had petitioned the High Court, claiming that the trial court had taken cognizance of the chargesheet without the necessary authorization.
CBI and ED Actions
In the Delhi liquor scam, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had already filed a chargesheet against Arvind Kejriwal under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The CBI received the necessary sanction last August. However, the ED had not received such sanction until now. The MHA has now granted the ED permission to proceed.
Allegations Related to Liquor Policy
The allegations center around the AAP government's 2021-22 excise policy, claiming it benefitted the 'South Group,' which controlled liquor sales and distribution in the national capital. It is alleged that this group bribed the AAP and Arvind Kejriwal.
Kejriwal's Arguments in Supreme Court and High Court
In November, the Supreme Court ruled that the ED requires special sanction to prosecute under the PMLA. Citing this order, Arvind Kejriwal argued in the Delhi High Court that the sanction granted to the CBI could not serve as a basis for the ED's prosecution. He stated that the ED needed separate permission. Following this, the ED sought permission from the MHA.
Impact on Elections?
Election campaigning is underway in Delhi, with Arvind Kejriwal holding rallies and public meetings for his party. However, this news related to the liquor scam could influence the electoral equation. The opposition is targeting the AAP over this issue. It remains to be seen how this case will impact the election results.
