Delhi liquor scam: ED summons Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on December 21
New Delhi, December 18: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to appear before it on December 21 (Thursday) in connection with the alleged Delhi liquor scam.
Notably, AAP leaders Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh and Vijay Nair are currently in jail in connection with the Delhi liquor scam. The charge sheet has cited multiple instances of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's involvement, alleging communication between the accused and the AAP chief regarding the development and implementation of a Delhi liquor policy that was later revoked.
The Timeline
In November 2021, the Delhi Government had introduced a revised liquor policy in the national capital. Under this policy, the Arvind Kejriwal-led government ceased liquor sales through government outlets and initiated the process for private entities to seek licenses to operate liquor stores.
The government stated that this policy "aimed to curb black marketing, enhance revenue for the Delhi administration, and offer advantages to consumers". Notably, the revised policy permitted liquor vendors to continue operating beyond midnight and offer unrestricted discounts. Consequently, several private liquor outlets experienced a surge in sales, contributing to a reported 27% spike in revenue for the Delhi government.
However, the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Delhi vehemently opposed this new policy. They accused the Kejriwal administration of fostering a "liquor culture" and criticised the proliferation of liquor stores in residential neighbourhoods.
Concerns raised by Delhi Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar
In a report released in July 2022, Delhi Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar raised concerns about multiple rule violations within the Arvind Kejriwal government's revised liquor policy. Allegations were made that the policy granted disproportionate advantages to liquor sellers, highlighting a rebate of Rs 144 crore in liquor license fees amid the Covid pandemic.
In response to the report, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena instructed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate the matter. However, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) refuted these allegations. Subsequently, the Delhi government withdrew the new liquor policy, leading to the closure of over 400 recently established liquor stores.
- With inputs from agencies
