Delhi CM Kejriwal calls ED Summons as publicity stunt before election Propaganda

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has denounced the fresh summons issued by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED), asserting that the timing is aimed at generating sensational news ahead of the anticipated parliamentary elections in 2024.

Kejriwal's Response to Summons

Kejriwal, summoned by the ED in connection with the Delhi excise policy case on December 18, expressed skepticism about the timing of the summons, suggesting it was a ploy to create sensational news in the final months leading up to the parliamentary elections. The Delhi Chief Minister is expected to appear before the central agency for questioning on December 21.

In a statement, Kejriwal questioned the ED's motives, stating, "The timing of your summons leaves much to desire and strengthens my belief that the summons being sent to me are not based upon any objective or rational yardstick but purely as propaganda as well as to create sensational news in the final few months of much-awaited parliamentary elections in the country."

ED's Lack of Transparency Criticized

Kejriwal raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the ED's communication, highlighting the agency's failure to provide details of the case file corresponding to the mentioned file number, the reasons for summoning him, or any other relevant information. He characterized the summons as a "fishing and roving inquiry."

Moreover, Kejriwal expressed uncertainty regarding the capacity in which he was summoned, stating, "I am being called as a witness, suspect, as Delhi's CM or as a convenor of Aam Adami Party."

AAP Leader Atishi Accuses BJP-led Centre of Intimidation

In a strong response, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi Minister Atishi launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Centre, accusing it of using central probe agencies to intimidate and silence opposition leaders. Atishi asserted that the AAP would not succumb to threats from the ED and the CBI.

"It is clear the BJP are scared of the Aam Aadmi Party and the model of governance of our leader Arvind Kejriwal, which is why the leaders of our party are being thrown in jail one by one. The BJP are using agencies at their disposal to scare us," Atishi told ANI.

Background of the Case

Kejriwal had previously been summoned by the CBI in April this year in connection with the same case. However, he was not named as an accused in the FIR filed by the CBI on August 17, last year. In February 2023, Kejriwal's Deputy Manish Sisodia was arrested by the CBI for alleged irregularities in the framing and implementation of the now-scrapped Delhi's new excise policy, which was withdrawn amid allegations of foul play by the Opposition.

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