Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal issued third summons in liquor policy case, asked to appear on Jan 3

Digital Desk: In a continued standoff between Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the agency has issued a fresh summons for Kejriwal to appear before it on January 3. 

This comes a day after Kejriwal ignored the ED's second summons related to the liquor policy case, citing his prior commitment to a 10-day vipassana retreat.

Kejriwal, the leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), dismissed the summons as politically motivated and illegal, asserting his commitment to transparency and honesty. This is not the first time Kejriwal has been summoned in this case; he was initially asked to appear on November 2 but had requested the ED to withdraw the summons, alleging it was part of a fishing and roving inquiry orchestrated by the BJP.

The ED's persistence could lead to more severe consequences if Kejriwal avoids the third summons. The agency would then have the option to pursue a non-bailable warrant against him. Kejriwal's previous questioning by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in April did not result in him being named as an accused in the case.

Kejriwal remains defiant, stating that the CBI's 56-question inquiry produced no evidence against him. He continues to challenge the legitimacy of the summons, questioning whether he is being targeted as an individual or in his official capacities as Chief Minister of Delhi and National Convenor of AAP.

As the political tussle escalates, the ED's pursuit of Kejriwal raises questions about the intersection of legal proceedings and political motivations, with the AAP leader maintaining his innocence amidst accusations of a fabricated case. The unfolding events on January 3 will likely determine the next chapter in this ongoing saga.