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Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is set to appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with alleged irregularities in the framing and implementation of the excise policy of the Union Territory government. Kejriwal has accused the BJP-led central government of being behind the move to summon him, claiming that some “anti-national forces” do not want India to develop. This article provides an overview of the events leading up to the CBI summons, what is likely to happen next, and the political implications of the case.
Background
The CBI has summoned Kejriwal for questioning in connection with the alleged irregularities in the framing and implementation of the excise policy of the Union Territory government. The investigation is ongoing and involves several other individuals, including former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. Sisodia was arrested by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in February and March, respectively, over alleged irregularities in the excise case.
Kejriwal’s response
Kejriwal has accused the BJP-led central government of being behind the move to summon him. In a video message released on Sunday morning, Kejriwal said, “They (CBI) have called me today and I will definitely go. They are very powerful, they can send anyone to jail. If BJP has ordered CBI to arrest me, then CBI will obviously follow their instructions.”
Kejriwal further said that appropriate cases will be filed against CBI and ED officials for “perjury and producing false evidence in courts.” He also claimed that he knew he would be next in line to be summoned by the CBI since the day he spoke against corruption in the Delhi assembly.
Political implications
The summons to Kejriwal comes at a time when the AAP is gearing up for assembly elections in several states, including Punjab and Goa. Kejriwal’s appearance before the CBI could have an impact on the party’s electoral prospects, especially in Punjab, where the AAP is hoping to make significant gains.
The BJP, on the other hand, has accused Kejriwal of being involved in corruption and has demanded a probe into the matter. The BJP has also accused the AAP of trying to politicize the issue and has said that Kejriwal must cooperate with the investigation.
What happens next?
Kejriwal is set to appear before the CBI on Sunday for questioning in connection with the case. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann would accompany Kejriwal to the CBI office on Sunday morning. During his visit to the CBI office, Kejriwal’s cabinet colleagues and all the MPs of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will also accompany him to the CBI office.
It is unclear at this stage how long the investigation will take or what the outcome will be. Kejriwal has said that he is ready to face any consequences and that he is not afraid of going to jail.
Conclusion
The summons to Kejriwal by the CBI has raised political tensions in Delhi and beyond. Kejriwal’s appearance before the CBI could have far-reaching implications for the AAP, the BJP, and the wider political landscape in India. As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the case will develop and what the ultimate outcome will be.