New Delhi: The Indian government has expressed strong objection to remarks made by a spokesperson from the US State Department regarding the recent arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with an alleged liquor policy scandal.
Gloria Berbena, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission for the United States, was summoned to a 40-minute meeting at the External Affairs Ministry’s office in Delhi on Wednesday afternoon. Following the meeting, the ministry issued a brief statement cautioning against “unhealthy precedents” and “unwarranted aspersions.”
“The expectation is for states to respect the sovereignty and internal affairs of others, a principle especially crucial among fellow democracies to avoid setting negative precedents,” emphasized the External Affairs Ministry.
India’s legal system operates with an independent judiciary committed to fair and timely adjudications, the statement continued, stressing that casting doubt on this process is unjustified.
Earlier, the US State Department had remarked that it was monitoring reports of Kejriwal’s arrest and urged New Delhi to ensure a fair and prompt legal procedure for the detained Aam Aadmi Party leader.
This statement followed similar comments from Germany’s Foreign Office, which emphasized Kejriwal’s right to a fair trial like any other Indian citizen facing charges. India strongly objected to Germany’s interference, labeling it as a blatant intrusion into internal matters.
In response to India’s protest to Germany, the US State Department referred inquiries to the German Foreign Ministry for comment on their discussions with the Indian government.
The arrest of Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate last week in connection with an alleged liquor policy scandal has stirred controversy, with the opposition accusing the BJP-led central government of targeting rivals ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha election. Kejriwal, along with other AAP members, denies the charges, claiming they are politically motivated.
The BJP refutes allegations of misusing central agencies for political purposes.
