Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi Minister, Atishi, has criticized the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) recent summons to Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister and AAP leader, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The summons is seen as part of the ED’s ongoing scrutiny of the Delhi Jal Board.
Atishi expressed concerns that these actions reflect a political vendetta against the AAP and its leaders. She attacked the central government for what she views as interference in the operation of a democratically elected administration, claiming these moves aim to tarnish AAP’s reputation before the upcoming elections.
Another summons believed to be tied to the investigations of the Delhi Jal Board has been received by Kejriwal. The specifics of the ED’s investigations remain unclear. BJP leader Manoj Tiwari’s allegations about Kejriwal’s misuse of public funds and further involvement in questionable activities have heightened the controversy.
Further tension stems from an FIR filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) suggesting Jagdish Kumar Arora, the former Chief Engineer of DJB, approved a Rs 38 crore contract to NKG Infrastructure Ltd. improperly. The ED alleges that Arora then distributed a large bribe among various parties, some linked with the AAP.
Atishi has responded to these allegations by suggesting a conspiracy, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to imprison Kejriwal before the elections. Atishi cites the timing of the summons to Kejriwal as suspicious and argues that they aim to derail the AAP’s campaign and distract from significant political issues.
Bansuri Swaraj, a BJP leader, has dismissed Atishi’s allegations of a conspiracy. She attributes Kejriwal’s legal issues to his actions, criticizing his lack of legal understanding despite his academic achievements. Swaraj noted that the ED began its proceedings soon after Kejriwal was granted bail by a local court in the same case.
