Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal Arrested by ED in Liquor Probe Case
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the liquor probe, marking the first time a sitting chief minister has faced such action. The arrest follows a series of events, including Kejriwal's refusal to attend ED summonses citing their alleged illegality and lack of clarity on his role in the investigation – whether as an accused, witness, Delhi CM, or Aam Aadmi Party's national convener.
The ED's move comes shortly after the arrest of K Kavitha, a leader of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), last week in the same investigation. This arrest was preceded by a high court order denying Kejriwal protection from coercive action by the agency.
What Led to Kejriwal's Arrest?
Kejriwal had been summoned by the ED for questioning since last year, but citing various engagements, he had skipped all previous summonses. Challenging the constitutionality of these summonses in court, Kejriwal faced a setback when the court declined to intervene in the case at this stage.
The case revolves around the liquor policy, which was eventually scrapped due to corruption allegations. Earlier, AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh were also arrested in connection with this case.
Next Steps for Kejriwal
Following his arrest, AAP leader Atishi announced that the party has swiftly moved the Supreme Court to challenge Kejriwal's arrest. “We have requested an urgent hearing tonight,” Atishi stated on X.
Despite his arrest, AAP maintains that Kejriwal will continue as Chief Minister, a decision made after a survey of ‘Main Bhi Kejriwal' across 23.8 lakh households in Delhi.
Arvind Kejriwal: A Brief Profile
Arvind Kejriwal, 55, first became Delhi's Chief Minister in 2013 amid the anti-corruption movement he spearheaded with Anna Hazare. Although he resigned a year later due to challenges in passing the Jan Lokpal Bill, he returned to power in 2015 after AAP's electoral success. In 2020, AAP secured another majority, ensuring Kejriwal's continued tenure.
Kejriwal's journey began with a mechanical engineering degree from IIT-Kharagpur, followed by a stint in the Indian Revenue Services as an assistant commissioner of income tax. He later resigned as joint commissioner of income tax in 2006 to focus on social and political activism.
Will Arvind Kejriwal Continue as Delhi CM After ED Arrest?
Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi's Chief Minister, faced arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the Delhi excise policy case. This development raises questions about who will manage the government in his absence.
Delhi's Minister, Atishi, has clarified that despite the arrest, Kejriwal will persist as CM and oversee the government's functioning, even from jail. Atishi emphasized their confidence in Kejriwal's ability to govern remotely, stating, “We have always said that Arvind Kejriwal will run the govt from jail. He will remain the CM of Delhi.”
The ED's move comes after hours of questioning earlier in the day, following the denial of protection from coercive action by the Delhi High Court. The agency had issued multiple summons to Kejriwal, seeking his statement on matters such as the now-defunct excise policy, pre-implementation meetings, and bribery allegations.
This isn't the first time AAP leaders have faced legal action in this case. Previously, former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh were arrested. Sisodia, with 18 portfolios under his belt, was arrested by the CBI and later the ED. Singh, on the other hand, was arrested for allegedly influencing policy decisions for personal gain.
The AAP is actively pursuing legal avenues, with Atishi mentioning, “We have filed a case in the Supreme Court. Our lawyers are reaching SC. We will demand SC have an urgent hearing tonight.”
This situation adds uncertainty to Delhi's governance as the legal battle ensues, with the CM's role under scrutiny amidst ongoing investigations.
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