Exploring Kejriwal’s Liquor Scam through 8 Questions: April Fools’ Day Special – Arvind Kejriwal’s judicial custody has been extended today, prompting a closer examination of the Liquor Policy Scam Case. Here, we present answers to 8 fundamental questions surrounding this case, shedding light on the latest developments and implications of Kejriwal’s extended custody.
1. What’s the latest update on Arvind Kejriwal’s liquor policy scam case?
- Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s judicial custody has been extended for two weeks till April 15 by the Rouse Avenue Court today (April 1).
- The decision came after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) requested further custody, citing Kejriwal’s purported non-cooperation during the investigation.
- Following the orders of the Court, Kejriwal will be sent to Tihar Jail.
2. What are the Allegations on Kejriwal?
- The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has alleged that Arvind Kejriwal is the “kingpin” of the liquor policy scam.
- The ED claims that Kejriwal used his position to influence the formulation of the excise policy in a way that benefitted certain liquor traders, allegedly receiving kickbacks in return.
3. What did Kejriwal tell the ED during interrogation?
- During interrogation, Kejriwal informed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) that Vijay Nair, a person close to him, did not report directly to him but instead reported to Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj.
4. Who will run the Delhi Government now?
- Despite being in custody, Kejriwal has reportedly continued to govern Delhi, with his wife Sunita Kejriwal relaying his directives to Cabinet colleagues.
- Political experts anticipate that Sunita Kejriwal, the wife of Arvind Kejriwal, will likely become the new Chief Minister of Delhi.
5. Which books did Kejriwal ask to have in jail?
- Kejriwal has made a request to bring three books with him to jail: the Bhagavad Gita, the Ramayana, and “How PM Decides” by Nirja Chaudhary.
6. What did Kejriwal say to the media before appearing in court?
- Kejriwal has vehemently denied the charges against him, labeling them as a political conspiracy. Before appearing in Court he said “PM jo kar rahe hai, desh ke liye accha nahi hai” (english translation – whatever PM is doing is not good for the country)
7. What was Anna Hazare’s response to Kejriwal being sent to jail?
- Anna Hazare commented on Kejriwal’s arrest in the liquor policy scam, saying, “Jai Karni Waisi Bharni,” which translates to “As you sow, so shall you reap.” Hazare believes that Kejriwal’s arrest is a consequence of his actions.
8. Why is Kejriwal forming alliances with parties he previously labeled as corrupt?
- During the early days of the India Against Corruption Movement with Anna Hazare, Kejriwal labeled parties like Congress, RJD, BSP, etc., as corrupt. He projected himself as a very honest person and aimed to eradicate corruption. The irony is that these same parties have now assembled and formed the INDI Alliance, which is supporting Kejriwal.
- This shift in ideology, from opposing corrupt politicians and parties to aligning with them and forming alliances, indicates that Kejriwal has compromised on his moral principles. It appears that he is determined to remain in power at any cost, as evidenced by his decision to continue running the Delhi Government from jail instead of resigning.
8. What is the BJP’s stance on the extension of Kejriwal’s judicial custody?
- In a press conference on behalf of the BJP, Sudhanshu Trivedi described Kejriwal as “old wine in a new bottle,” highlighting the irony of Kejriwal, once seen as a self-proclaimed honest politician, now facing corruption allegations.
- Trivedi suggested that Kejriwal’s failure to respond to the nine summons issued by the ED for investigation may now be understood, as Kejriwal appears to have been apprehensive about the consequences, evident from the recent grant of 14 days judicial custody.