NEW DELHI: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging a political vendetta orchestrated by the party. In a press conference addressing the ongoing investigation by ED, Kejriwal claimed that the BJP targets those who resist joining their ranks.
He pointed to the cases of Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, currently in jail, asserting they are there for not aligning with the BJP.
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FLASH: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal declares in a digital press conference: “Those who don’t join their party end up in jail. The honest leaders are imprisoned, while corrupt ones are embraced into their fold. This approach is extremely dangerous. Together, we must save our nation.”… pic.twitter.com/yPwk6yDLCG
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) January 4, 2024
In response to the ED’s summons related to the Delhi liquor scam, Kejriwal emphasised his commitment to democracy, stating that he has cooperated honestly. He condemned what he described as open intimidation and accused the BJP of attempting to hinder his campaigning in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. During the digital press conference, Kejriwal declared, “Those who don’t join their party end up in jail. The honest leaders are imprisoned, while corrupt ones are embraced into their fold. This approach is extremely dangerous. Together, we must save our nation.”
Questioning the legality of the ED’s notices, Kejriwal asked whether he is obligated to respond to what he termed as unlawful summons. He asserted, “My legal counsel has confirmed the illegality of the summons, and I’ve provided a detailed response. BJP’s agenda is not a genuine probe but to obstruct my Lok Sabha campaign. Their strategy involves using ED and CBI to coerce opposition leaders. Numerous instances of this tactic are evident.”
Highlighting the ED’s repeated summons over the past two years, Kejriwal stressed that despite several raids, no evidence of corruption has been found. He accused the BJP of indulging in open hooliganism and conspiring against his party members, referring to various AAP leaders who have been kept in jail on what he called false charges. He said, “The truth is that there was no corruption. BJP wants to arrest me. My honesty is my biggest asset.”
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Kejriwal challenged the ED to provide a lawful summon and assured full cooperation in the investigation. He labelled the entire episode as an attempt to tarnish his image and the reputation of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The Chief Minister affirmed his commitment to the nation and called for collective participation to fight with him against BJP to save the country and its democracy. He said, “I will continue to fight against them. Together, we must save our nation.”
FLASH: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal asserts in a digital press conference: “My legal counsel has confirmed the illegality of the summons, and I’ve provided a detailed response. BJP’s agenda is not a genuine probe but to obstruct my Lok Sabha campaign. Their strategy involves using… pic.twitter.com/gyyYsh4sym
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) January 4, 2024
Kejriwal had justified his non-appearance before the ED for questioning on January 3, citing multiple engagements, including Rajya Sabha elections, Republic Day celebrations, and the ED’s perceived lack of transparency and responsiveness.
In his previous responses to ED summons related to the Delhi excise policy case, Kejriwal had raised concerns about the political motivations behind the inquiries. He questioned the nature of his summons, whether he was considered a witness or a suspect, and alleged that the BJP was influencing the investigation.