The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is conducting raids across multiple states, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Telangana, and Maharashtra, in connection with the controversial Delhi excise policy case. Earlier, the ED had searched Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia’s residence, probing alleged corruption in the implementation of the policy. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has claimed that the charges are politically motivated.
The controversy centers around accusations of financial misconduct in the excise policy’s implementation. A report by Delhi’s Chief Secretary suggested violations of several laws and highlighted financial quid pro quo, with allegations that the policy benefited private liquor barons. Sisodia, who oversees the excise department, is accused of allowing procedural lapses that gave undue advantages to liquor licensees for the year 2021-22, causing substantial financial losses to the government.
In response to the report, Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena recommended a CBI investigation. The Delhi government, led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, maintains that the policy aimed to generate revenue and tackle the sale of illegal liquor, but opposition parties have criticized it as a scheme that favors private interests.
Kejriwal defended his deputy, calling the allegations baseless and accusing the central government of targeting the AAP due to its growing influence, especially following its win in Punjab. He expressed confidence that such actions would not deter the party’s progress.