Delhi: BJP targets Kejriwal as AAP protests Sanjay Singh's arrest
What's the story
The recent arrest of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh in connection with the alleged Delhi liquor scam case has triggered protests and counter-protests in the national capital.
While AAP supporters gathered at the party headquarters on Thursday and demanded Singh's release, leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Delhi also held a prayer meeting at Rajghat.
They allegedly prayed for people's "liberation" from the "corrupt" AAP government.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Singh was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) after conducting raids at his residence on Wednesday morning for his alleged role in the formulation and implementation of the now-scraped policy.
Notably, the raids took place after Singh was named by businessman Dinesh Arora—an accused in the case—who became an approver later.
Singh's arrest is also the second high-profile arrest in the matter, after the apprehension of former Delhi Deputy CM and fellow party leader Manish Sisodia earlier this year.
Know more
AAP supporters clash with police during protest
According to the Hindustan Times, numerous AAP supporters gathered at the party office at the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya (DDU) Marg, raised slogans against the central government, and demanded the release of Singh.
Furthermore, a scuffle also broke out between the party workers and the police, after which some of them were detained.
News agency ANI reported that the police resorted to using water cannons in Chandigarh against the AAP workers protesting Singh's arrest.
Twitter Post
Visuals of police, AAP supporters clashing in Chandigarh
#WATCH | Chandigarh: Police use water cannons against the Aam Aadmi Party workers protesting against the arrest of AAP MP Sanjay Singh.
— ANI (@ANI) October 5, 2023
Singh was arrested yesterday evening following the ED raid at his residence in connection with the Delhi excise policy case. pic.twitter.com/x0BR40qFND
Details
BJP accuses 'kingpin' Kejriwal in Delhi liquor scam case
Meanwhile, BJP leaders continued their attacks on AAP supremo and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and his government.
While calling Kejriwal the "kingpin" of the alleged liquor scam case, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva quoted Mahatma Gandhi and said that alcohol destroys both the soul and the body.
Moreover, the BJP's Parvesh Sahib Singh also stated that "mastermind" Kejriwal's time in prison is not far off.
What Next?
Atishi alleges political motivation behind Singh's arrest
On the other hand, Delhi minister and AAP leader Atishi Marlena challenged the BJP to provide evidence if money was discovered at Singh's residence.
"I invite them (BJP) to send ED and the CBI to raid his paternal house and his bank locker. I can challenge that not even a single paisa of corruption would be found," she said.
"The ED and CBI have deployed more than 500 officers on this investigation for the last 15 months," Atishi said.
Twitter Post
You can watch Atishi's address here
#WATCH | On Sanjay Singh's arrest in connection with the Delhi liquor scam case, Delhi minister & AAP leader Atishi says, "In this investigation, the ED and CBI have deployed more than 500 officers since last 15 months... These officers have raided thousands of places, but they… pic.twitter.com/LnJC1Hw7zT
— ANI (@ANI) October 5, 2023
Insights
Details on AAP's Delhi Liquor Policy
It's worth recalling that the AAP government introduced the Liquor Excise Policy in November 2021. It withdrew from the retail sale of alcohol under the policy and allowed private licensees to run stores.
As per the government, the move was to increase government revenue, combat black marketing, and improve the overall consumer experience.
However, the policy was scrapped less than a year later over reported financial anomalies in its implementation and formation.