Arvind Kejriwal decries ED summons as ‘motivated’, vexatious’

NEW DELHI: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has launched a scathing critique against the ED summons, labelling them as “motivated” and raising serious concerns about the ambiguity surrounding his role as either a witness or a suspect in the ongoing investigation.

In his statement, Kejriwal said it is unclear “as to the capacity in which I am being summoned i.e., as a witness or a suspect.” Expressing objections to the timing of the summons, he alleged that it was consistently leaked to the media before reaching him.

He emphasised that this pattern leads him to believe that the summons are aimed at tarnishing his reputation rather than conducting a legitimate inquiry.

“Everytime, before the summons reach me, it is already there in the media. This raises questions whether the purpose of the summon is to do any legitimate enquiry or tarnish my reputation.”

The Chief Minister asserted that he is willing to cooperate with the agency but stressed on the need for transparency in the proceedings.

FLASH: Delhi CM #ArvindKejriwal writes to #ED, seeking clarity!

Kejriwal questions the summons’ intent and requests a questionnaire from the agency.
Reports: @iAtulkrishan1#EDSummons #EDRaid #EnforcementDirectorate pic.twitter.com/FWKXF1sI2c

— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) January 3, 2024

In the letter, Kejriwal highlighted his role as the Chief Minister of Delhi, citing his busy schedule with the planning and preparations for various Republic Day programmes.

Additionally, he pointed out the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for January 19, in which he is expected to participate actively.

The ED had summoned Kejriwal for questioning on January 3, related to a money laundering case linked to Delhi’s now-scrapped excise policy. This policy had previously led to the arrest of then Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia in February 2023, and AAP Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh in October 2023.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), of which Kejriwal is the convenDelhi excise per, has alleged that the summons were issued with the motive of arresting him and disrupting his election campaign. The party, however, stated its commitment to cooperating with the agency in accordance with the law.

This marks the third notice sent to Kejriwal by the ED, with the previous two summonses on November 2 and December 21 going unanswered.