Delhi Excise Policy Saga: AAP Leaders Deny L-G Sanction for Kejriwal’s Prosecution, Sparking War of Words with BJP
New Delhi – The political battle surrounding the Delhi excise policy case intensified today as Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders vehemently refuted reports of Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Vinai Kumar Saxena granting sanction to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to prosecute AAP national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Senior AAP figures, including Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, Chief Minister Atishi, and Cabinet Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, launched a concerted offensive, branding the news as “false” and “baseless,” accusing the BJP-led central government of orchestrating a disinformation campaign to divert public attention from critical issues. This latest development adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing legal and political tussle over the now-scrapped excise policy.
The controversy erupted following media reports suggesting that the L-G had given the green light for the ED to proceed against Kejriwal in the alleged liquor scam. AAP leaders swiftly responded, demanding concrete evidence of such sanction. Manish Sisodia, a key figure in the AAP government and himself embroiled in the excise policy case, challenged the claims on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). He questioned the ED’s reluctance to produce a copy of the purported sanction order, accusing the BJP of employing diversionary tactics to shift focus away from what he termed “disrespecting Babasaheb.” This reference likely pertains to recent controversies surrounding remarks made about Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh echoed Sisodia’s sentiments, dismissing the reports as a fabricated narrative. He challenged the authorities to produce the sanction letter, questioning the rationale behind its alleged concealment if it truly existed. Chief Minister Atishi joined the chorus, demanding transparency from the ED and accusing the BJP of resorting to conspiracies to mislead the public. Cabinet Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj further amplified the AAP’s critique, questioning the central government’s understanding of legal procedures. He emphasized the necessity of prosecution sanction for initiating a case against a chief minister and criticized the purported lack of transparency surrounding the alleged approval.
The AAP leaders’ forceful denial and their demand for proof of sanction underscore the party’s strategy of portraying the allegations as politically motivated. By highlighting the absence of a publicly available sanction order, they aim to cast doubt on the legitimacy of the claims and to bolster their narrative of being targeted by the BJP-led central government. The AAP’s linking of the controversy to the alleged disrespect of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar further suggests an attempt to broaden the scope of the debate and appeal to a wider constituency.
In sharp contrast to the AAP’s denials, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva reiterated the party’s accusations against Kejriwal, labeling him the “kingpin” of the Delhi liquor scam. This contrasting stance reflects the deeply entrenched political divide between the two parties and highlights the high stakes involved in the excise policy case. The BJP’s continued insistence on Kejriwal’s culpability sets the stage for a protracted legal and political battle, with both sides likely to intensify their attacks and counter-attacks in the coming days. The case has become a flashpoint in the ongoing power struggle between the AAP-led Delhi government and the BJP-controlled central government.
The ongoing war of words between the AAP and the BJP underscores the deep political ramifications of the excise policy case. The case continues to be a source of significant political tension in the national capital, with both parties vying for public support. The lack of clarity surrounding the alleged sanction adds further complexity to the situation, leaving room for speculation and political maneuvering. The conflicting narratives presented by the AAP and the BJP highlight the importance of transparency and due process in the investigation and prosecution of such high-profile cases. The public awaits further developments as the legal and political battle unfolds.