In an unprecedented move, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is set to be named an accused in the ongoing Delhi liquor policy scam case. This development marks the first time a political party will be formally accused in such a case.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) informed the Delhi High Court of this decision while it was hearing the bail plea of former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia.
The ED’s investigation into the money laundering aspect of the alleged scam has intensified, coming shortly after the Supreme Court granted interim bail to AAP Chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to campaign in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Why ED wants to add AAP as accused
The move to implicate AAP follows the Supreme Court’s inquiry in October last year, questioning why the party was not being named as an accused if it had allegedly benefited from kickbacks in the liquor policy case.
A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and SV Bhatti had pointedly asked, “As far as the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) is concerned, your whole case is that the benefits went to a political party. That political party is still not made an accused or impleaded. How do you answer that? The political party is the beneficiary according to you.”
Officials have indicated that the ED is treating AAP as a company, with Arvind Kejriwal likened to its CEO, a classification that aligns with the broad definition of a company under the PMLA. This strategic classification could strengthen the ED’s case against the party.
Political reactions and accusations
Reacting to the ED’s move, BJP spokesperson Tuhin Sinha claimed that the alleged kickbacks were used by AAP in its campaign for the 2022 Goa elections. “The Aam Aadmi Party has been the biggest scam in the history of Indian politics, and the alleged kickbacks were used for the elections in Goa. Almost all of their key leaders are accused (in the case). It is about time the AAP accepts its culpability,” Sinha stated.
He also dismissed allegations that central agencies were being misused by the Centre, asserting that AAP has the legal resources to contest the charges.
What is the case
The controversy stems from an excise policy introduced by the Delhi government in November 2021, which withdrew the state from retail liquor sales, allowing private licensees to operate the stores.
In July 2022, Delhi Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar raised concerns about gross violations in the policy, alleging “undue benefits” to liquor licensees. The policy was subsequently scrapped in September 2022.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has alleged that liquor companies had a hand in framing the policy, which was designed to yield them a 12 percent profit. The CBI claims a liquor lobby, referred to as the “South Group,” paid kickbacks amounting to Rs 100 crore to AAP, with part of these funds routed to public servants. The ED’s involvement centers on the alleged laundering of these kickbacks.
As the legal proceedings continue, the case against AAP and its leaders remains a significant political flashpoint. The next hearing is scheduled for July 9.
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