Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, in response to the summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the Excise Policy case, has raised concerns over the nature and timing of the inquiry. Kejriwal questioned the ambiguity of the summons, stating,
“The summons appear to be in the nature of fishing and roving enquiry as it does not specify whether I am being summoned as an individual or in my official capacity as Chief Minister of Delhi or as National Convenor of AAP.”
Kejriwal, who is also the National Convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), highlighted his preoccupation with the upcoming critical elections.
“Being National Convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party, I am held up in the process and run up to these critical elections,”
he said, indicating his involvement in the electoral process.
In his communication with the ED, Kejriwal expressed his willingness to cooperate but sought clarity on the inquiry’s intent.
“In such circumstances, I hope that you shall act as per law by transparently and fairly considering my objections as raised and indicated in my earlier responses dated 02.11.2023 and 20.12.2023. In the meanwhile, I would be happy to respond to any questionnaire if you seek any information/documents, which are in my knowledge/possession,”
the Chief Minister stated.
Kejriwal urged the ED to respond to his previous communications to understand the inquiry’s scope.
“In these circumstances, I therefore, once again, urge you to kindly respond to my earlier responses and clarify the position so as to enable me to understand the real intent, ambit, nature, sweep, and scope of the purported inquiry/investigation for which I am being called,”
he added.
The AAP also raised concerns about the timing of the notice, suggesting it was an attempt to hinder Kejriwal’s campaign activities.
“Why has the notice been sent right before elections? The notice is an attempt to stop Kejriwal from campaigning in the (Lok Sabha) elections,”
the party stated.
Kejriwal further commented on the ED’s approach in similar cases, saying,
“I am in the know of several cases where the Directorate of Enforcement has given detailed explanation and/or response to any of the queries raised or apprehensions nursed by a person who may have been issued summons….”
This ongoing case continues to be a focal point in Indian politics, highlighting the complexities and controversies surrounding political figures and their involvement in legal matters. Kejriwal’s stance and the ED’s subsequent actions continue to be a point of significant interest and debate in Indian politics.
