TNFNew Delhi/ TNF
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) senior leader Manish Sisodia have been granted bail in connection with the alleged Delhi liquor policy scam. While their release has brought temporary relief to the party, significant legal challenges remain. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is preparing to escalate its investigation, which could further implicate AAP.
According to sources, the ED plans to file another supplementary charge sheet that will outline AAP’s alleged involvement in the case. So far, the ED has submitted nine charge sheets, including eight supplementary ones. A senior ED official emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that there is still substantial evidence against the accused.
“The case is still in the trial phase, and while bail is a judicial matter, we have not cleared any of the accused of wrongdoing. We have enough evidence to support our claims,” the official said. They also noted that the liquor policy adopted by the Delhi government and the associated transactions suggest a major scam, involving misuse of public funds and potential political funding.
The official added, “AAP’s role in this case is significant. We are considering filing an additional supplementary charge sheet to clarify the party’s involvement.”
The controversy began with allegations that the Delhi liquor policy, implemented by Kejriwal’s administration, involved illegal practices. The ED’s investigation has revealed that preferential treatment and financial benefits were allegedly given to certain sellers, which undermined fair competition and led to substantial financial gains for a select few, potentially at the expense of public funds.
The case was initially triggered by a complaint from the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), which represents millions of retailers across the country. Retailers had complained that major e-commerce platforms, like Amazon and Flipkart, along with smartphone companies, were engaging in unfair practices by restricting access to new products and providing unfair advantages to certain sellers.
AAP’s involvement in the case could have far-reaching implications for the party. Despite the temporary relief from the bail of its leaders, the ongoing legal proceedings pose a significant threat to AAP’s political standing. The party faces a dual challenge: navigating the legal battle while maintaining its public image as a champion of transparency and anti-corruption.
In the coming months, the focus will be on how the case unfolds and how AAP responds to the intensified scrutiny. The party will need to address both legal challenges and public perception, striving to clear its name while preparing for potential political fallout.
The final outcome of this case could either bolster or severely damage AAP’s credibility. The party’s ability to handle the situation effectively will be crucial in determining its future political prospects.
