Congress Supports Centre's Move Against Kejriwal in ED Prosecution, Urges Prompt Investigation

Synopsis

On January 15, the ED received the green light from the Union Home Ministry to prosecute AAP leaders Kejriwal and Sisodia over a liquor policy money laundering case. Congress leaders show mixed reactions, some urging a swift investigation while others criticize the timing as politically motivated, coinciding with upcoming Assembly elections.

Key Takeaways

ED prosecutes Kejriwal and Sisodia
Congress calls for timely investigation
Concerns raised about political motives
Supreme Court mandates prior sanction
Kejriwal contests charges in court

New Delhi, Jan 15 (NationPress) Following the Union Home Ministry's approval, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is set to prosecute AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in a money laundering investigation related to the liquor policy. This decision has sparked a range of reactions. Some Congress members have expressed support for a rapid inquiry, while others have labeled the move as politically charged with the upcoming Assembly elections in mind.

Congress figure Alok Sharma stated to IANS, 'The law should progress without interruption. We were the first to highlight this liquor policy scandal. Following the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) report, the facts are now evident. The case must advance without any further hold-ups.'

Another Congress official, Pratap Singh Bajwa, voiced doubt, noting that such actions often happen right before elections. 'This isn't unprecedented. The ED frequently undertakes these actions shortly before elections, only to retract them post-polls. This case is already five years old. The same liquor policy was also enacted in Punjab, but there are no investigations happening there. It's only as elections approach that they intensify their scrutiny of the former Chief Minister and officials. This tactic is evidently politically motivated and entirely inappropriate. While we commend the decision, it’s vital to reach a definitive resolution on this issue.'

The go-ahead for actions against Kejriwal and Sisodia came after approval from Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena.

This decision is in line with a November ruling from the Supreme Court, which stated that the ED must obtain prior approval before prosecuting public officials.

Previously, the ED had approached Saxena for the green light to move forward with allegations against Kejriwal, branding him as the 'kingpin'.

Kejriwal has contested the case in the Delhi High Court, contending that the ED's indictment against him was unlawful due to the absence of prior sanction from the appropriate authorities.

The case revolves around purported irregularities in the crafting of the Delhi excise policy for 2021-22, which has since been annulled. Both Kejriwal and Sisodia stand accused of deliberately establishing loopholes in the policy to gain illicit benefits from liquor lobbyists.

Kejriwal was initially apprehended by the ED on March 21, 2024, in connection with the money laundering charges, followed by another arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on June 26 in a corruption case.

In September, the Supreme Court granted bail to the AAP leader. Shortly thereafter, Kejriwal stepped down as Delhi's Chief Minister, allowing senior AAP member Atishi to assume the role.