Delhi Liquor Scam: Delhi’s much talked about liquor scam is once again in the headlines. The Home Ministry of the Central Government has given permission to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to prosecute former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia in the money laundering case. This permission has come at a time when Delhi politics is already heated. In its charge sheet, ED has termed these two leaders as masterminds and kingpins of this scam.
What is the matter?
This matter is related to the excise policy of Delhi for 2021-22. ED claims that by changing this policy, the liquor lobby of South India was benefited. In return, a bribe of Rs 100 crore was given, out of which Rs 45 crore was used by the Aam Aadmi Party in the Goa Assembly election campaign. According to ED, this scam was not only for economic but also for political gains.
According to the order of the Supreme Court, it is necessary to take permission from the concerned authority to prosecute any public servant. Under this provision, the Home Ministry approved the ED.
What is in the charge sheet?
Serious allegations have been made against Kejriwal and Sisodia in the ED charge sheet.
- change in excise policy: It is alleged that the policy for 2021-22 was deliberately changed so that the South Lobby could benefit.
- bribery charges: A bribe of Rs 100 crore has come to light.
- political funding: A large part of this amount was used in the Goa Assembly elections.
- political pressure: ED said that transparency was deliberately not maintained in the decisions.
Action against Kejriwal and Sisodia
On March 21, 2023, ED arrested Arvind Kejriwal. After this, a charge sheet was filed against him, his party and others in May. In the charge sheet, ED clearly said that this scam was done to fulfill political and economic objectives.
Aam Aadmi Party’s clarification
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has rejected these allegations and called it an act of political vendetta. The party said, “There is no concrete evidence against us. This is an attempt by the government to defame us.”
influence on elections
Just a few days before the Delhi Assembly elections, this matter can prove to be a big blow for the Aam Aadmi Party. Elections are to be held in the capital on February 5 and political parties are making full preparations.
What is South Lobby?
According to the ED, the South Lobby includes big liquor manufacturers and distributors from South India. This lobby was allegedly in touch with Kejriwal and Sisodia.
political equation
This matter has become a big issue for the opposition. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party regarding this matter. BJP leaders said, “This is the biggest example of corruption. The truth of Kejriwal’s honesty has come before the public.”
Controversy over liquor policy
The excise policy of Aam Aadmi Party has been in controversies since the beginning. This policy was implemented with the aim of increasing revenue on a large scale, but it had to be discontinued.
financial and political impact
This scam is not only damaging the image of Aam Aadmi Party but may also affect their political future in states like Delhi and Goa.
What will happen next?
Now that ED has received permission from the Home Ministry, further investigation in this case may be further intensified. Legal action against the accused will be expedited and names of other people associated with it may also come to light.
