Delhi’s Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, has once again evaded appearing before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning regarding the alleged money laundering case related to irregularities in the now-defunct Delhi excise policy of 2021-22. This marks the seventh instance of Kejriwal skipping the summons.
In response, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) released a statement asserting Kejriwal’s decision not to comply with the ED’s summons, citing that the matter is currently sub-judice. The party emphasized that the next court hearing is scheduled for March 16, urging the ED to await the court’s decision rather than persistently issuing summons.
Despite the ED’s filing of a complaint against Kejriwal for non-compliance, the court has granted him an exemption from appearing personally until March 16. Kejriwal, appearing virtually before the court, explained his inability to attend physically due to the ongoing Budget session of the Delhi assembly.
The AAP reiterated its commitment to the Opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), affirming that they will not withdraw from the alliance despite pressure from the central government. They condemned what they perceive as attempts to coerce them through the repeated summons.
Kejriwal has consistently labeled the summons as “illegal” since November and has demanded their withdrawal. Meanwhile, he was scheduled to address the assembly session on Monday before commemorating the one-year imprisonment of his former deputy, Manish Sisodia, in connection with the excise policy case.
In response, leaders from the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized Kejriwal’s actions, accusing him of evading investigation and condoning corruption. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva described Kejriwal’s decision to commemorate a person’s jail term for corruption as “shameful,” asserting that the people of Delhi will not forgive such actions.
