BJP Applauds Reports of LG's Approval for Kejriwal's Prosecution in Liquor Policy Scandal

New Delhi, Dec 21 (NationPress) The BJP on Saturday expressed approval of reports indicating that Delhi Lieutenant Governor (L-G) V.K. Saxena has sanctioned the prosecution of AAP convener and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal regarding the alleged liquor policy scandal.

In response to these reports, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari stated, "The ED investigation into Arvind Kejriwal is a positive development. No matter how powerful a person may be, if they commit a crime, they must be held accountable for their actions."

"I firmly believe that Kejriwal will be found culpable in the liquor policy scandal, where the resources of Delhi's underprivileged were exploited. Once convicted, he will receive appropriate punishment," he added.

In an interview with IANS, Tiwari also accused Kejriwal of negligence, asserting, "Over the last ten years, 21,000 lives were lost due to polluted water in the city, a direct result of his administration."

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva voiced similar opinions, claiming a "premeditated conspiracy by Kejriwal" to "dismantle" Delhi.

"The liquor policy scandal has tarnished Delhi's reputation, and the truth was bound to emerge. Kejriwal devised a scheme to exploit the city through intermediaries and commissions in the liquor business. Now, he must bear the repercussions," he told IANS.

"Although Kejriwal and his associates are currently out on bail, they still face accusations. The legal system will ensure they are held accountable, and justice will be served," Sachdeva added.

Former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia denied the reports regarding the sanction to prosecute Kejriwal, labeling them as "false and misleading."

In a post on X, he challenged the assertions, stating, "If LG Binay Saxena has authorized the prosecution of Arvind Kejriwal, then why hasn’t the ED produced a copy of that authorization? It is evident that this news is inaccurate and misleading. Cease making baseless claims to distract from the issue of insulting Babasaheb. Provide proof of the sanction to prosecute."

The liquor policy scandal is one of the most significant corruption charges leveled against the AAP government by the BJP.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) accuses Kejriwal and Sisodia of manipulating the Excise Policy 2021-22 to benefit a 'South lobby' in return for a ₹100 crore bribe. The ED claims that ₹45 crore of this sum was allocated for AAP's election campaign in Goa.

Kejriwal was arrested by the ED in March for alleged money laundering and was later released on bail in September. Following his release, he stepped down as Chief Minister, vowing to return only after winning a mandate in the 2025 elections.

The ED's case against Kejriwal includes allegations of altering policy guidelines to favor certain liquor vendors. While a PMLA case is registered, the trial has yet to commence. The L-G's sanction is reportedly a move towards initiating prosecution under the Supreme Court's directive for approvals in such matters.

Meanwhile, Kejriwal has approached the Delhi High Court seeking the annulment of the chargesheet against him. The court issued a notice to the ED on Friday in response to his request.

The purported scandal has emerged as a pivotal issue in Delhi's political arena, with the BJP utilizing the matter to scrutinize the AAP in the lead-up to the 2025 assembly elections.