AAP challenges BJP's silence on receiving Rs 60 cr funds from Reddy, sends letter to Nadda
PTC News Desk: In the wake of allegations implicating the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in receiving Rs.60 crore in funds from Sarath Chandra Reddy, a key figure in the Delhi excise policy case, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has intensified its scrutiny of the BJP's association with Reddy. Delhi minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, in a press conference, reiterated concerns regarding the BJP's silence on the matter and called for clarification on the nature of their relationship with Reddy, the owner of Aurobindo Pharma.
During a previous press briefing, AAP leaders presented electoral data documents purportedly linking Reddy's three companies to substantial contributions to BJP accounts through electoral bonds. Bharadwaj disclosed that the AAP has written to BJP's national president JP Nadda, seeking answers to critical questions surrounding the issue.
"We want to raise three key questions in the case – What is the relationship between Reddy and BJP? Who met him from the (BJP) party and what was their conversation? And why were people, the (Central Bureau of Investigation) CBI and the (Enforcement Directorate) ED not informed about receiving funds from Reddy?" Bharadwaj emphasised.
Earlier statements by Bharadwaj suggested that Reddy was implicated as a central figure in the excise scam and played a significant role in benefiting from it. Allegations insinuated that Reddy's arrest led to the arrest of AAP leader and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, based on Reddy's statements.
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According to AAP, Reddy's involvement in the Delhi liquor policy scandal, wherein he acquired liquor shops in specific zones of Delhi, led to his arrest by the ED in November 2022. AAP leaders asserted that Reddy's pivotal role in the excise policy case was further accentuated by his stint as an approver after spending six months in jail.
The AAP's press conference underscored Reddy's significance in the ongoing investigation, alleging coercion by the BJP to secure his cooperation. Priyanka Kakkar, AAP's chief spokesperson, reiterated these claims during the briefing.
While the Delhi BJP has yet to provide a response, the Election Commission of India recently released electoral bond data, shedding light on political contributions. Amidst these developments, Kejriwal's arrest by the ED for his purported involvement in irregularities related to the Delhi excise policy continues to stir controversy.
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(Inputs from agencies)
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