Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj and AAP MP Sanjay Singh refuted reports that Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena has sanctioned prosecution against AAP Chief and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy case.
Minister Bhardwaj expressed disbelief over the claims, stating, “I am shocked. Don’t they know a prosecution sanction is required to prosecute a Chief Minister or a minister? If BJP claims to have such permission, what were they doing for the last two years?” He emphasized that, according to available information, no prosecution sanction had been issued.
AAP Demands Transparency
MP Sanjay Singh challenged the reports, asserting that if the LG had indeed granted permission, the letter should be made public. “This fake news has been circulating since morning. If there’s a letter granting permission, the LG must show it. Baseless accusations without evidence are politically motivated,” Singh said.
BJP’s Accusations
Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva accused Kejriwal of being the “kingpin” of the alleged Delhi Excise Policy scam. He claimed, “We have maintained from the start that Arvind Kejriwal is the main culprit in this case. Investigations will lead to his punishment.”
The BJP reiterated its demand for accountability in the controversy, which has been the subject of months-long investigations by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and other central agencies.
Legal Developments
On December 5, the ED sought permission to prosecute Kejriwal, further escalating the case. Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court on Friday extended the time for ED to file its reply to the petition challenging the trial court’s cognizance of chargesheets in the excise policy case.
The High Court, led by Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri, scheduled the hearing for February 5. The petition, filed by Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, contests the legal validity of the trial court’s actions.
Political Implications
The excise policy case has deepened the political divide between the AAP and BJP, with both parties trading accusations of corruption and conspiracy. AAP has labelled the developments as politically motivated attempts to discredit its leadership, while the BJP insists on accountability and transparency in governance.
The controversy underscores the increasing use of investigative agencies in political disputes, with significant implications for governance and electoral politics in Delhi.