New Delhi [India], January 16: Delhi Congress President Devendra Yadav on Thursday criticized Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal over the now scrapped Delhi Excise Policy, referencing a “leaked CAG report” on social media that allegedly exposes a scam worth Rs 2000 crores.
Yadav accused Kejriwal of being directly involved in the scandal, stating, “Due to the excise policy, Kejriwal was continuously in jail and now he is out on bail. The leaked CAG report clearly shows that a scam worth Rs 2000 crores has taken place. All the evidence points to him, and this will be a big problem for Kejriwal and his government.”
Earlier, BJP MP Sambit Patra also raised concerns over the Delhi Excise Policy, claiming that AAP is attempting to reinstate the controversial policy despite the alleged scam. He called for a clarification from Kejriwal, saying, “Delhi CM Atishi mentioned in an interview that AAP intends to bring back the excise policy. This policy led to a major scam, cartelization, and black marketing. It was never approved by the cabinet or the Lieutenant Governor, and now AAP is exposed before the public. Kejriwal must clarify his position.”
Meanwhile, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) authorized the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to prosecute Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in connection with the alleged liquor scam. The sanction was issued earlier this month as part of the ongoing investigation into the irregularities in the now-cancelled Delhi Excise Policy for 2021-22.
Kejriwal and Sisodia, who are currently out on bail, are accused of involvement in money laundering linked to the policy. Reacting to the latest developments, Kejriwal dismissed the allegations, stating, “This is how they (BJP) are contesting the Delhi Assembly elections. We are fighting the elections in our way.”