Politics
Delhi Excise Policy Scam: After Dy CM Sisodia, Now AAP MP Sanjay Singh Arrested By ED For Money Laundering
Bhuvan Krishna
Oct 04, 2023, 08:11 PM | Updated 08:11 PM IST
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The Enforcement Directorate arrested AAP MP Sanjay Singh on Wednesday (4 October) after conducting raids at his house in connection with a money laundering case related to the Delhi excise policy.
Previously, the ED had questioned Singh's staff members and individuals associated with him in relation to this case.
The arrest of the senior AAP leader has caused outrage within the party, with angry workers gathering outside the MP's residence in the national capital and protesting against the Centre.
In response to the arrest, AAP ministers Aatishi and Saurabh Bhardwaj have sharply criticised the BJP, stating that the ED's actions demonstrate the frustration of the BJP.
AAP leader Aatishi has alleged that the arrest of Singh was done without any evidence and was a deliberate move orchestrated by the BJP as part of a pre-planned agenda.
During a press conference, Aatishi stated, "This (Singh's arrest) shows the desperation of BJP. It knows that the people of India have decided to throw out the BJP government. And whenever a dictatorship fears its removal, it starts jailing people who raise their voice against it. This is now happening in India."
Aatishi further expressed her belief that Singh's arrest marks the beginning of the end for the BJP. This incident will serve as a turning point, leading to the downfall of the ruling party.
In response to the arrest, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar commented that it will serve to strengthen the opposition's INDIA alliance.
Earlier today, there was a clash of words between the AAP and BJP due to the raids on the Rajya Sabha member.
Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal took the lead in attacking the BJP, claiming that they were resorting to desperate measures because they anticipate defeat in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
The BJP strongly responded by labeling Kejriwal as the "kingpin" of the alleged Delhi liquor policy scam.
According to allegations, the Delhi government's excise policy for 2021-22, which granted licenses to liquor traders, allowed for cartelisation and favored certain dealers who had supposedly paid bribes.
The AAP vehemently denies these claims.
Following the scrapping of the policy, the Delhi lieutenant governor recommended a CBI probe, which led to the ED registering a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
Manish Sisodia, who was the Delhi deputy chief minister and in charge of the excise department, has been arrested and is currently in jail. He is being held in connection with the alleged scam.
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Bhuvan Krishna is Staff Writer at Swarajya.
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