AAP Accuses BJP of Fabricating Allegations as Election Strategy Amid ED Investigation
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Synopsis
The Aam Aadmi Party criticizes the Centre for enabling the Enforcement Directorate to prosecute Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia in a money laundering case linked to a controversial excise policy. They allege this is part of a BJP smear campaign ahead of elections, asserting their leaders' innocence and calling for accountability.
Key Takeaways
- AAP condemns BJP's actions as politically motivated.
- ED gets permission to prosecute Kejriwal and Sisodia.
- Allegations of corruption linked to scrapped excise policy.
- Campaigning continues for February 5 Assembly elections.
- Accusations against BJP for misusing central agencies.
New Delhi, Jan 15 (NationPress) The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday condemned the Central Government for permitting the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to initiate prosecution against its National Convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, along with former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, in a money laundering case associated with the now-repealed excise policy.
The approval from the Union Home Ministry empowers the ED to advance its case against the two AAP leaders, eliminating legal obstacles in the process of framing charges.
This action follows a Supreme Court ruling in November that required prior sanctions for prosecuting public officials. The ED claims that Kejriwal was the chief orchestrator of irregularities in the 2021-22 liquor policy, which was eventually withdrawn amid controversy.
Responding vehemently, AAP spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar questioned the legitimacy of the arrests and accused the BJP of misusing central agencies.
“For two years, Arvind Kejriwal and other leaders were imprisoned without prosecution approval. What actions were taken since 2020?” she inquired, charging the BJP with conducting a “smear campaign.”
She further accused the BJP of reverting to its “old tactics” ahead of elections, stating, “The BJP's theatrics are apparent. The PMLA court found no evidence against Kejriwal, and the Supreme Court referred to the CBI as a ‘caged parrot.’ This illustrates the malicious intent behind these actions.”
“The BJP propagates false accusations, and there is a constant endeavor to tarnish the image of the Aam Aadmi Party. This time, the citizens of Delhi will hold accountable a vision-less, faceless party lacking an agenda and a Chief Ministerial candidate for Delhi,” she remarked to IANS.
“The public recognizes that Arvind Kejriwal is an honest leader; hence, despite delivering numerous public welfare initiatives, he presents a surplus budget annually. In contrast, many BJP-run states operate at a loss and fail to provide any public welfare services,” she emphasized.
In a conversation with IANS, AAP MP Sandeep Pathak resonated with similar views, alleging that the BJP is out of innovative ideas and is leveraging investigations as a pre-election tactic.
“They’ve observed surveys indicating AAP’s victory and are resorting to novel strategies due to their lack of an agenda or vision for Delhi,” he stated.
Both Kejriwal and Sisodia, currently out on bail, have refuted all accusations and accused the BJP of political vendetta.
They are actively campaigning for the Assembly elections scheduled for February 5, with Kejriwal having submitted his nomination from the New Delhi constituency.
The BJP has charged AAP with corruption, citing alleged bribes from the 'South Group,' a cartel purportedly benefiting from the liquor policy.
However, AAP leaders assert that these accusations are groundless and aimed at defaming the party ahead of the elections.
AAP, BJP, and Congress are engaged in a fierce competition for the 70-member Delhi Assembly. The election outcomes will be announced on February 8.
