4th October 2023,Mumbai: In a surprising turn of events, the Enforcement Directorate has arrested Sanjay Singh, a prominent member of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), in connection with money-laundering allegations related to the Delhi excise scam case. This arrest has set the stage for a fresh round of political hostilities in the capital city, with the BJP launching a scathing attack on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
BJP’s Accusations: Kejriwal as the Alleged Mastermind
Hours after the Enforcement Directorate conducted a raid on the residence of AAP MP Sanjay Singh, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wasted no time in accusing Arvind Kejriwal of being the “sinner” and the “kingpin” of the alleged Delhi liquor policy scam. Gaurav Bhatia, a BJP leader, labeled Manish Sisodia, another AAP leader, as Kejriwal’s right hand and Sanjay Singh as his left hand, alleging that both were involved in corruption. Bhatia went further to claim that it was Kejriwal who compelled his MPs and ministers to engage in corrupt practices to fill his coffers.
Sanjay Singh’s Arrest and Money-Laundering Allegations
Sanjay Singh, a significant figure within the AAP, has found himself in legal trouble as the Enforcement Directorate investigates money-laundering allegations linked to the Delhi excise scam case. The arrest of Singh adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing political battle in Delhi.
Explosive Allegations: A Bribe Paid to Kejriwal
Gaurav Bhatia, during a press conference, made a startling revelation. He claimed that one of the accused in the case, Dinesh Arora, had admitted to paying ₹32 lakh as a bribe to Arvind Kejriwal at his residence in the presence of Sanjay Singh. According to Bhatia, this bribe was made through a cheque, and it was allegedly for the AAP’s party fund.
The Challenge to Kejriwal
Gaurav Bhatia sent out a provocative challenge to Arvind Kejriwal, stating that “handcuffs are getting closer” to the Delhi Chief Minister. He dared Kejriwal to hold a press conference and clarify whether he had indeed received a ₹32 lakh bribe by cheque from Dinesh Arora. This challenge adds fuel to an already fiery political environment in Delhi.
Kejriwal’s Response and the 2024 Elections
Arvind Kejriwal responded to these allegations by dismissing them as politically motivated. He confidently asserted that nothing incriminating would be found at Sanjay Singh’s residence and attributed the arrest to the upcoming 2024 general elections. According to Kejriwal, these actions by various investigative agencies are desperate attempts by his political opponents as the elections draw nearer.
AAP’s Defense: Allegations Termed Fictitious
Saurabh Bhardwaj, a senior AAP leader, vehemently defended his party against the allegations. He described the entire scandal as fictitious, emphasizing that the investigation had been ongoing for the last 15 months without any substantial findings. Bhardwaj pointed out that despite raids conducted by agencies like the Enforcement Directorate and CBI in over 1000 places, not even a single rupee had been recovered. He confidently asserted that the search at Sanjay Singh’s residence would yield nothing as well and claimed that the BJP’s desperation was evident due to their anticipated loss in the upcoming elections.
A Deepening Political Divide
The arrest of Sanjay Singh and the subsequent allegations have deepened the political divide in Delhi. With the 2024 general elections looming on the horizon, the political drama is expected to intensify further. The battle between the AAP and the BJP shows no signs of abating, and the allegations and counter-allegations only serve to highlight the acrimonious nature of politics in the nation’s capital. As the legal proceedings continue, it remains to be seen how this controversy will impact the political landscape of Delhi in the months to come.
-by Kashvi Gala