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New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued the fifth summons to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the Delhi excise policy-linked money laundering case. The ED has previously summoned Kejriwal four times, with the Chief Minister challenging their legality and responding in writing to the federal agency.
Arvind Kejriwal, the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has questioned the clarity of the summons, raising concerns about whether he is being called as a witness or an accused. AAP’s national spokesperson, Priyanka Kakkar, has stated that their legal team is examining the latest summons, emphasizing that the party will adhere to legal advice while addressing the matter.
Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva has criticized Kejriwal for allegedly evading the ED’s previous summons, accusing him of making a “mockery of the Constitution.” The BJP contends that Kejriwal has repeatedly avoided legal proceedings with varying explanations.
In response to the fourth summons, Kejriwal had communicated his unavailability due to commitments related to Rajya Sabha elections and Republic Day preparations. He labeled the summons as “illegal” and demanded clarity on whether he was considered a witness or an accused. Kejriwal cited his previous cooperation with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in April 2023 as evidence of his commitment to the law.
In a show of solidarity, the AAP has announced a demonstration outside the BJP headquarters in Delhi on the same day as Kejriwal’s scheduled questioning. The demonstration aims to protest the ED’s summons and allege BJP manipulation in the recent Chandigarh mayoral polls.
The ED alleges that the AAP received kickbacks amounting to ₹100 crore to shape the excise policy, with some of the funds purportedly utilized in the party’s election campaign in Goa. The agency has already arrested several AAP leaders, including former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia and parliamentarian Sanjay Singh. The AAP, Kejriwal, Sisodia, and Singh deny all charges, framing the case as political vendetta orchestrated by the Union government.
As the legal saga continues, public opinion on whether Kejriwal should step down as chief minister if arrested is being sought by the AAP through a public feedback campaign.
