Who is Arvind Kejriwal and Why he is arrested?
Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Arvind Kejriwal on March 21, 2024. He was arrested
because of a connection with Delhi Liquor Scam. The scam is related to the Delhi government’s liquor policy. ED has blamed that Kejriwal was involved in the scam. The conspiracy is that he was benefiting a liquor lobby from southern India. The Southern lobby is known as the “South Lobby”. In which the party was getting an exchange of payment of ₹100 crore.
The ED claimed that Kejriwal with the other AAP leaders had drafted the liquor policy that favors private entities and that he had received kickbacks from liquor operators. Arvind Kejriwal had ignored nine summons from the ED by claiming they were illegal. And had also sought protection from arrest from the Delhi High Court. However, his plea was rejected. He was arrested at his residence. The arrest was seen as a major political development. Aam Aadmi Party with other opposition parties accused the Modi government of using the ED to weaken the AAP ahead of national elections. Arvind Kejriwal and Aam
Aadmi Party has denied any wrongdoing and claimed that the arrest was a political conspiracy.
Arvind Kejriwal has not been arrested earlier. This is the first instance of a Chief Minister in India that has being put behind bars.
-Significance of the arrest of Kejriwal during Lok Sabha Election
He was arrested on March 21, 2024. The arrest was just a week after the Model Code of Conduct came into effect for the Lok Sabha elections. It has raised many significant questions and controversies. Abhishek Manu Singhvi who was representing Kejriwal was arguing before the Supreme Court that the ED arrested the Delhi Chief Minister immediately just after the declaration of Lok Sabha elections. Without having a “reason to believe” or “new material” to justify the arrest. The Supreme Court had also questioned the ED about the timing of Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest. They also asked the agency to justify the necessity of arresting him just before the Lok Sabha elections. Opposition parties with AAP have blamed the ED and BJP of using Kejriwal’s arrest as a political tool to weaken the party just before the Lok Sabha elections.
-What is the Delhi Liqour Scam?
Delhi Liqour Scam explained in detail. The Delhi Liqour Scam is related to controversy related to the Delhi Government. The policy was introduced in 2021. The main reasons to implement the policy are:
1) Eliminate liquor mafia
2) Increase government revenue
3) Improve consumer experience
It allowed private vendors to sell liquor. And also provides licenses that offer unlimited discounts and home delivery till 3 am. But, ED launched a money laundering investigation which claims a loss of Rs 2,800 crore to the government. The AAP has denied wrongdoing by claiming that the investigation is just because of political motives.
-Effect of Delhi Liquor Scam on the Lok Sabha elections 2024
Yes, the scam can badly affect the results of the Lok Sabha elections. It is a major political issue happens in Delhi which includes both the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The scam has also led to the arrest of several AAP leaders like Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh. That has created the political tensions in the city.
The scam has a straight linked with the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The Delhi Liquor Scam has created an electoral advantage for BJP. The BJP has been constantly blaming AAP for corruption and Mismanagement. The AAP on the other hand has constantly denied any wrongdoing. AAP has been constantly accusing the BJP of using the scam as a political tool to discredit them during the elections. The party has also launched a campaign to defend its leaders and the liquor policy.
-Reaction of citizens related to the Delhi Liqour Scam
The citizens give mixed reactions related to the Delhi Liquor Scam. Many people showed shock and disappointment. Some citizens criticized the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for benefiting the private sector and also for engaging in bribery. The opposition parties which include the BJP and Congress strongly supports the government’s actions. They have blamed them of selling licenses for money. In summary, the citizens reflect mixed reactions.
