Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), a key member of the opposition I.N.D.I.A. bloc, over the now-revoked excise policy in Delhi, which has led to the summons of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Addressing a press conference at his Patiala residence, Sidhu criticized the short-lived excise policy, questioning its abrupt withdrawal within three months of implementation, suggesting misconduct.
“They came into power with promises not to sell liquor near colleges, schools, or religious places. However, this excise policy in Delhi was in effect for a mere 2.5 to 3 months before being withdrawn,” Sidhu, the former Punjab Congress chief, remarked. “If a car is recalled, it’s due to a manufacturing defect. If the policy was genuinely in the public’s interest, why was it withdrawn? A similar policy is active in Punjab and has not been revoked,” he added.
Sidhu characterized AAP’s handling of the alleged liquor policy irregularities as “chori aur seena zori” (theft and denial).
Sidhu said that the excise policy is not Rs 2-300 crores but about Rs 4,000 crores, and a bigger scam can be hidden in it. He asked Kejriwal to increase Punjab’s income by 5,000 crores, provide a government treasury surplus of Rs 20,000 crores from sand, and speak about the integrity and dignity of the state. Sidhu said, “This is my younger brother, Bhagwant Mann, it’s not a personal fight, we haven’t fulfilled the promises made to Punjab. I have asked questions, but there are no answers. People of Punjab are suffering from blood and sweat theft, and they will continue to fight.” Arvind Kejriwal did not appear before the ED for questioning in the Delhi excise policy-linked case on Thursday. Instead, he wrote to the agency, demanding the withdrawal of the notice summoning him, claiming it was “illegal and politically motivated.” The ED is currently reviewing the two-page response from the Delhi Chief Minister. In response, AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj expressed concerns over the unclear nature of the summons and suggested a political conspiracy, highlighting the upcoming elections in five states and Kejriwal’s role as the national convener of AAP.`