Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has acknowledged the Excise Policy case against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as “fake”. Kejriwal has called for the immediate release of all individuals arrested in connection with the case, sparking a fresh wave of political debate.
The Excise Policy case, which has been a point of contention between the AAP-led Delhi government and the central government, involves allegations of irregularities and corruption in the formulation and implementation of Delhi’s liquor policy. The case has led to multiple arrests, including senior officials and political figures associated with the AAP, fueling accusations of a political witch-hunt.
In a recent press conference, Kejriwal claimed that during a private conversation, PM Modi conceded that the case against AAP was fabricated and politically motivated. “I met the Prime Minister, and he admitted that the case was a sham,” Kejriwal stated. “This is not just a personal victory for us, but a validation of our stand that the charges were baseless from the beginning.”
Kejriwal’s revelation comes at a critical time, with the Lok Sabha elections looming. The AAP leader accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using state machinery to target political opponents. “This is a clear misuse of power by the BJP to destabilize our government and tarnish our image. The people arrested are innocent and must be released immediately,” Kejriwal demanded.
The AAP chief’s remarks have led to a political firestorm, with reactions pouring in from various quarters. The BJP has categorically denied Kejriwal’s claims, labeling them as a desperate attempt to gain sympathy and divert attention from the alleged corruption. BJP spokesperson, Sambit Patra, stated, “Arvind Kejriwal is making baseless allegations. The law will take its course, and those involved in corruption will be held accountable.”
The Excise Policy case revolves around allegations that the Delhi government’s policy favored certain private liquor vendors, resulting in financial irregularities and loss of revenue for the state. The case has been under investigation by central agencies, leading to multiple raids and arrests.
Kejriwal has consistently maintained that the charges are politically motivated and part of a broader strategy by the BJP to undermine his government. He has accused the central agencies of acting at the behest of the BJP to discredit the AAP ahead of elections. “This is not just about the AAP. This is about safeguarding democracy and ensuring that elected governments are not bullied by those in power at the Centre,” Kejriwal emphasized.
The Delhi CM’s call for the release of all those arrested in the case has found support among AAP allies and several opposition parties. They argue that the arrests are an attempt to stifle dissent and weaken the opposition. Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram remarked, “If what Kejriwal is saying is true, then it is a matter of grave concern. The judiciary must take note, and those falsely implicated should be released immediately.”
Legal experts have weighed in on the matter, suggesting that Kejriwal’s claims, if true, could have significant implications for the case. Senior advocate Prashant Bhushan noted, “If the Prime Minister indeed acknowledged the case as fake, it raises serious questions about the integrity of the investigation and the motives behind it. This needs thorough scrutiny by an independent body.”
Kejriwal’s assertions and the subsequent political reactions have added another layer of complexity to the ongoing controversy. As the Lok Sabha elections approach, the issue is likely to remain a focal point of political discourse, with both AAP and BJP using it to galvanize support.
For the citizens of Delhi and the broader electorate, the truth behind the Excise Policy case and the veracity of Kejriwal’s claims will be crucial in shaping their political choices. The demand for the release of the arrested individuals underscores the larger debate on the use of state power and the protection of democratic institutions in India.