Shruti Suman
New Delhi : Following the Enforcement Directorate’s seven-day custody of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has asserted that the money trail associated with the Delhi liquor policy case implicates the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Allegations surfaced that Kejriwal acted as an intermediary, facilitating kickbacks amounting to ₹100 crore for the Delhi government from the “South Group.”
In response, AAP’s Atishi contended that the money trail points towards the ruling BJP. She referenced the arrest of Aurobindo Pharma director Sharath Chandra Reddy in 2022, who purportedly made political contributions to the BJP through electoral bonds.
“Atishi, the second in command in the Delhi government, emphasized the absence of any evidence linking AAP leaders, ministers, or workers to proceeds of crime,” she stated. Atishi highlighted Reddy’s initial denial of any association with Kejriwal or AAP, followed by a change in his statement after months in detention.
Referring to data on electoral bond donations released by the Election Commission, Atishi underscored Aurobindo Pharma’s substantial contributions to the BJP. Records indicate that between April 2021 and November 2023, the company purchased bonds worth ₹52 crore, with a significant portion allocated to the BJP.
Kejriwal’s arrest by the ED pertains to a corruption case linked to the discontinued Delhi liquor policy. The ED alleges that the policy provided disproportionately high profit margins, with a portion earmarked as kickbacks for AAP leaders. Additionally, the “South Group” allegedly provided an advance sum of ₹100 crore to Vijay Nair, a figure linked to AAP.
The “South Group” denotes an alleged network comprising middlemen, businessmen, and politicians as identified by central agencies.
AAP remains steadfast in its assertion that Kejriwal will continue to discharge his duties as head of government, even if conducted from within incarceration.
NI Bureau
