The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has reignited the Delhi excise policy firestorm by issuing fresh summons to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Directed to appear on January 18 for questioning in the related money laundering probe, this marks the fourth attempt by the agency to secure Kejriwal’s cooperation. The development comes after Kejriwal skipped the ED’s third summons last week, citing prior commitments and questioning the legality of the notice.
The Delhi excise policy 2021-22, scrapped in July 2022, remains shrouded in controversy. Allegations of irregularities, favoritism, and potential financial wrongdoing have dogged the policy from its inception. The ED, India’s financial crime-fighting agency, is investigating potential money laundering linked to these allegations.
Kejriwal has consistently denied any wrongdoing, calling the ED summons politically motivated and an attempt to derail his work. His Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government of using the ED as a political tool to target its opponents.
This fresh summons is likely to escalate the already charged atmosphere. AAP workers have threatened protests if Kejriwal is arrested, while the BJP has demanded his immediate cooperation with the investigation. The legal battle between Kejriwal and the ED is also expected to intensify, with the Chief Minister potentially challenging the notice in court.
The controversy surrounding the Delhi excise policy and the ED’s investigation have wider implications. It raises questions about political interference in investigative agencies, the potential misuse of power, and the delicate balance between accountability and political vendetta.
For Kejriwal, facing the ED directly could be a high-stakes gamble. While cooperating might clear his name, it could also lead to more scrutiny and potentially damage his political image. Conversely, continued resistance could fuel criticism and accusations of non-cooperation, denting his “clean governance” narrative.
Ultimately, the Delhi excise policy drama is far from over. The next few weeks will be crucial, as the legal battle unfolds and political tensions rise. Whether Kejriwal appears before the ED on January 18 and how he navigates the ensuing legal and political minefield will be closely watched across the nation.
Join our whatsapp group for Latest updates