Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate for questioning in the liquor policy case. This marks the second time the central agency has issued a summons to the Aam Aadmi Party leader; the first was on November 2. The Chief Minister, citing election campaign commitments, had skipped the earlier summons.
Kejriwal has been called in on Thursday for questioning in connection with the allegations related to the AAP government’s revamped alcohol sales policy of 2022. The case suggests that the policy allowed the government to receive kickbacks from cartels, allegedly used to fund the party’s election expenses in various states.
In response to the earlier summons, Kejriwal had deemed it “illegal” and “politically motivated,” demanding its withdrawal. The recent summons specifies Thursday for his appearance. Notably, an individual can skip a summons thrice, following which the agency can secure a non-bailable warrant.
The case has seen arrests of prominent figures, including Kejriwal’s former deputy, Manish Sisodia, and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh. Both were apprehended in connection with the liquor policy case. Kejriwal had questioned the specificity of the summons, seeking clarification on whether it pertained to him as an individual, Chief Minister of Delhi, or National Convenor of AAP. The investigation has been criticized by the AAP, terming it a “fishing and roving inquiry.”