BJP leader Bansuri Swaraj has levelled accusations against Arvind Kejriwal, alleging his repeated disregard for Enforcement Directorate (ED) summons. Kejriwal, Chief Minister of Delhi, faces scrutiny in the Delhi excise policy case and is now summoned in a second money laundering case related to purported irregularities within the Delhi Jal Board (DJB). Swaraj emphasized Kejriwal’s accountability in the excise policy case and criticized his failure to comply with the ED summons, branding it as disrespectful.
Swaraj underscored Kejriwal’s education and the obligation to uphold the law, particularly in light of the serious allegations. She highlighted the responsibility of public officials to respond to legal summons promptly. According to Swaraj, Kejriwal’s repeated non-appearance before the ED constitutes a grave offence, further exacerbating the situation.
Responding to the summons, Atishi, a Delhi minister representing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), expressed scepticism regarding the nature of the DJB case, suggesting it might be a ploy to impede Kejriwal’s election campaign. Atishi criticized the timing of the summonses, alleging a deliberate attempt to disrupt political activities.
Atishi also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of weaponizing investigative agencies like the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to target political adversaries. However, there has been no immediate response from the ED or the CBI regarding these allegations.
Meanwhile, Kejriwal has been summoned to appear before the ED on March 18 to provide his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This marks the second case where Kejriwal is summoned under anti-money laundering laws. Notably, Kejriwal has previously contested the legality of eight summons in the excise policy case and faces a ninth summons in the same matter on March 21.
