Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has refuted allegations of corruption and money laundering as he faces a series of summons from the Enforcement Directorate. Kejriwal, who recently skipped his third summons, maintains that the accusations are politically motivated and intended to hinder his participation in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Kejriwal’s Defense
Addressing the media, Kejriwal asserted his innocence, stating, “The truth is that there was no corruption. BJP wants to arrest me. My biggest asset is my honesty and they want to dent it.” He further claimed that the summons issued against him were illegal and part of a broader strategy to prevent him from campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections.
Aam Aadmi Party’s Allegations
Supporting Kejriwal, Delhi Health Minister and AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj labeled the situation as a conspiracy by the central government and BJP to undermine democracy. “It’s a conspiracy of the central government and BJP to arrest Arvind Kejriwal so that he can’t participate in the campaigns and contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections,” Bhardwaj stated in a press conference.
Enforcement Directorate’s Response
The Enforcement Directorate, meanwhile, has indicated that it is reviewing Kejriwal’s response to the summons and may issue a fourth summons for further investigation into the alleged excise policy-linked money laundering case. Kejriwal has criticized the agency’s approach, accusing them of acting beyond their jurisdiction.
Political Implications
As the controversy unfolds, Kejriwal is set to embark on a three-day tour of Gujarat, signaling his intent to participate in the Lok Sabha polls actively. The situation underscores the escalating tensions between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party and the BJP, with both sides leveling allegations and counter-allegations in the run-up to the elections.
By standing firm on his claims of innocence and challenging the legitimacy of the summons, Kejriwal aims to rally support while the Enforcement Directorate continues its probe into the allegations.
