Arvind Kejriwal skips second ED summons in Delhi liquor policy case

Digital Desk: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal evaded the Enforcement Directorate (ED) summons for the second time today, sparking controversy and accusations of political maneuvering. The summons was issued in relation to the alleged liquor policy scam, but Kejriwal, in a letter to the ED, accused the timing of being politically motivated, pointing fingers at the looming Parliamentary Elections.

In a bold statement, Kejriwal highlighted, "The timing of summons indicates a desire for sensational news just ahead of the crucial Parliamentary Elections in the country." Expressing confusion regarding the nature of his summons, he questioned whether he was summoned as a witness, a suspect, the Chief Minister of Delhi, or the Aam Aadmi Party's national convener.

Adding to the intrigue, Kejriwal revealed his departure for a Vipassana meditation course, emphasizing, "I have received a summons on the eve of my pre-announced and widely publicized departure to Vipassana Meditation." This departure coincided with the summon date, leading to further speculation about his absence.

This wasn’t the first time Kejriwal had been summoned by the ED. Initially called on November 2, he failed to appear before the probe agency then as well.

Reacting to the recurrent ED summons, Delhi Minister Atishi lashed out at the investigating agencies, alleging a lack of evidence in the past two years regarding any financial impropriety. She aimed criticism at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), stating, "Despite numerous press conferences, the BJP has failed to produce any concrete proof. These cases seem to stem solely from the BJP's fear of Arvind Kejriwal's growing popularity."

In a fiery press conference, Atishi condemned the ED's actions, labeling them not as actions of a central agency but as a politically driven agenda orchestrated by the BJP. She accused the summonses of being reflective of "illegal" and "political motivations."

This development has sparked intense debate and speculation, with critics viewing it as an attempt to tarnish Kejriwal's image ahead of crucial elections, while supporters rally behind him, decrying what they perceive as political harassment.

As the political landscape heats up in the lead-up to the elections, Kejriwal's absence from the summons and the allegations of political motivations behind them continue to create ripples in the national capital's political sphere.