Love a positive emotion commonly blooms on an agitated mind. When one unmarried male or female attains impulsive through seeing or thinking about another male or female it is known as love.
Category: Nation
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Massive Fire Engulfs Oil Tanker Godown In Vijayawada, Huge Plumes Of Smoke Seen Rising
A massive fire broke out at an oil tanker godown in Andhra Pradesh’s Vijayawada on Tuesday.
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‘Muslims Coined Term Bharat Mata Ki Jai’: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Challenges RSS Amid CAA Row |
MALAPPURAM: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has stirred a debate by claiming that the iconic nationalistic slogans ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ and ‘Jai Hind’ were initially coined by Muslims. Speaking at a rally in the Muslim-majority Malappuram district on Monday, Vijayan emphasized the significant role of Muslims in India’s history and independence movement.
Azimullah Khan: The Originator Of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’
Vijayan highlighted historical figures to support his claim, citing Azimullah Khan as the individual behind ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’. Kerala CM’s assertion challenges the mainstream narrative surrounding the origins of the slogan, prompting reflection on the diversity of contributions to India’s nationalist ethos.
Abid Hasan And The ‘Jai Hind’ Slogan
In a similar vein, Vijayan credited Abid Hasan, an old diplomat, with the creation of the ‘Jai Hind’ slogan. By acknowledging Hasan’s role, the CM underscored the multicultural fabric of India’s nationalist fervour, transcending religious boundaries.
Role Of Muslims In India’s Freedom Movement
The CM further emphasized the integral role played by Muslims in India’s struggle for independence. Drawing attention to their contributions, CM Vijayan aimed to foster inclusivity and recognition of diverse narratives within the national discourse.
Kerala CM Slams CAA
Transitioning to contemporary politics, Vijayan criticized the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), alleging discriminatory intent against Muslims. He accused the RSS-led BJP government of marginalizing Muslims through the CAA, sparking resistance from Kerala’s politically aware populace.
Amidst his criticism, CM Vijayan lambasted the opposition Congress party for purportedly lacking sincerity in opposing the CAA. He cited instances where Congress leaders were absent during protests, contrasting it with the active involvement of Left leaders.
CM Vijayan didn’t shy away from criticizing the central government and its alleged tacit approval of violence against anti-CAA protestors. He drew parallels between RSS ideology and fascist doctrines, challenging the foundations of the Sangh Parivar’s political ethos.
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‘India Stands With Russia In Hour Of Grief’: PM Modi Condemns Moscow Concert Hall Attack |
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday condemned the terror attack inside a packed concert hall in Moscow on Saturday, calling it a ‘heinous act’ and expressing solidarity with the Russian government and its people. “We strongly condemn the heinous terrorist attack in Moscow. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. India stands in solidarity with the government and the people of the Russian Federation in this hour of grief,” PM Modi posted from his X handle.
We strongly condemn the heinous terrorist attack in Moscow. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. India stands in solidarity with the government and the people of the Russian Federation in this hour of grief.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 23, 2024
According to reports, a group of armed men stormed into the Crocus City Hall concert venue in Moscow and opened fire and detonated explosives among the crowd on Friday (local time). The ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack at the concert venue complex near Moscow Friday that left at least 60 dead and 145 injured after assailants stormed the venue with guns and incendiary devices, CNN reported.
The terror group claimed responsibility for the attack in a short statement published by ISIS-affiliated news agency Amaq on Telegram on Friday. However, the ISIS did not provide any evidence to support the claim. Video footage from the site of the attack showed the Crocus City Hall concert venue on fire, with thick, black smoke filling the air.
It also showed scared locals huddling, screaming and ducking behind cushioned seats as gunshots rang out in the vast hall. State-run RIA Novosti reported the armed individuals “opened fire with automatic weapons” and “threw a grenade or an incendiary bomb, which started a fire.” They then “allegedly fled in a white Renault car”, the news agency reported.
The claim by the Islamic State was also confirmed by US officials shortly afterwards, the New York Times reported. The US officials said they had privately apprised Russian officials about the intelligence pointing to an impending attack, the New York Times reported.
The US gathered intelligence in March that Islamic State-Khorasan, known as ISIS-K, the branch of the group based in Afghanistan, had been planning an attack on Moscow, according to officials. ISIS members have been active in Russia, a US official said.
After a period of relative quiet, the Islamic State has been trying to increase its external attacks, according to US counterterrorism officials. Most of those plots in Europe have been thwarted, prompting assessments that the group has diminished capabilities.
The attack on Friday in Moscow, followed by the one in Iran in January, could prompt a reassessment of its ability to strike outside its home territory, according to the NYT.
“ISIS-K has been fixated on Russia for the past two years,” frequently criticising President Vladimir Putin in its propaganda, said Colin P Clarke, a counterterrorism analyst at the Soufan Group, a security consulting firm based in New York. “ISIS-K accuses the Kremlin of having Muslim blood in its hands, referencing Moscow’s interventions in Afghanistan, Chechnya and Syria,” he added.
The US officials said in addition to publicly warning on March 7 about a possible attack, they had privately told Russian officials about the intelligence pointing to an impending attack, the New York Times reported. But, it is not clear how much information Washington gave to the Moscow officials beyond what was in the public warning.
Earlier, the US had also warned Iran of a possible attack ahead of twin bombings in January that killed at least 103 people and wounded 211 others at a memorial service for Iran’s former top general, Qassim Suleimani, who was killed by a US drone strike four years before. ISIS-K claimed responsibility for that attack too.
Meanwhile, regional governor Andrey Vorobyov said everything was being done to save people in what is now the deadliest terror attack on Moscow in decades. A SWAT team was called to the area and more than 70 ambulance teams and doctors were assisting victims.
115 people have been hospitalised, including five children, the Russian Health Ministry told TASS. 60 people are in a ‘serious condition’. Moscow City Duma Chairman Alexey Shaposhnikov called on Moscow residents to donate blood to help treat victims, saying that “this is a matter of life and death for dozens of people,” CNN reported.
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Will Arvind Kejriwal’s Arrest In Delhi Liquor Case Impact AAP’s 2024 Lok Sabha Election Campaign? |
NEW DELHI: Amid the high-voltage drama, Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi and the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with allegations of corruption and money laundering linked to Delhi’s excise policy. The arrest marks a significant moment in Indian political history, as Kejriwal has become the first sitting chief minister to face arrest in a criminal case.
Allegations Of Corruption And Money Laundering
The case against Kejriwal and others revolves around accusations of corruption and money laundering concerning the formulation and execution of Delhi’s excise policy for the fiscal year 2021-22, which was subsequently scrapped. Kejriwal’s repeated avoidance of summons by the ED only served to intensify scrutiny on the matter, ultimately leading to his arrest.
Arrest Amidst Election Season
Importantly, Kejriwal’s arrest comes at a politically sensitive juncture, just before the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. With the political landscape already charged with anticipation and speculation, this development adds a layer of complexity to AAP’s electoral strategy.
What Next For AAP?
AAP, a party known for its anti-corruption stance and grassroots appeal, now faces a critical leadership vacuum with its prominent figures embroiled in legal troubles. Kejriwal’s absence as the party’s star campaigner poses a significant challenge, forcing AAP to reconsider its electoral tactics and leadership structure. Kejriwal’s arrest compounds an already complex situation for AAP, as prominent figures like Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh, and Satyendra Jain are embroiled in the same investigation. As AAP strives to expand its political footprint nationally and engages in strategic alliances, Kejriwal’s absence poses a formidable obstacle to the party’s electoral ambitions.
The arrest disrupts AAP’s carefully crafted campaign strategies, particularly in Delhi and Gujarat, where Kejriwal serves as the focal point of electoral messaging. The party’s reliance on Kejriwal’s mass appeal and popularity underscores the magnitude of the challenge it now faces in recalibrating its campaign strategy.
Who Can Lead AAP In Kejriiwal’s Absence?
In the wake of Kejriwal’s arrest, AAP confronts the challenge of identifying a capable leader to navigate the party through this turbulent period. Names like Atishi, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Raghav Chadha and Bhagwant Mann emerge as potential contenders, each bringing unique strengths and considerations to the table. The other name doing the rounds to lead the party is Kejriwal’s wife Sunita, who is a former Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer but has maintained a low profile all along. The selection of a successor assumes paramount importance as AAP strives to maintain its political relevance and momentum.
Governance Amidst Legal Battle
Beyond its electoral implications, Kejriwal’s arrest raises fundamental questions about governance in Delhi. As the AAP government contends with legal and constitutional challenges, the efficacy of governance amidst ongoing legal battles remains a subject of intense scrutiny. The party’s ability to uphold its governance agenda and deliver on electoral promises becomes increasingly precarious in this volatile environment.
AAP’s response to Kejriwal’s arrest is characterized by a delicate balance of strategic manoeuvres and public engagement. The party’s efforts to leverage the arrest as a rallying point for public sympathy underscore its determination to mitigate the electoral fallout. However, navigating the complexities of public perception and political dynamics presents a formidable challenge as AAP seeks to reaffirm its commitment to its core principles of ”zero tolerance” and electoral objectives.
As the nation grapples with the implications of Kejriwal’s arrest, the future of AAP hangs in the balance. The unfolding legal battle, coupled with the impending Lok Sabha Elections, has set the already stage for a high-stakes political showdown, where every move and decision carries significant consequences. As political parties strategize and discuss their next moves in this charged atmosphere, the fate of AAP and its electoral prospects remain uncertain, awaiting further developments in this unfolding saga.
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Ajay Maken, Arvinder Singh Lovely, Sandeep Dikshit: Congress Leaders Who First Accused Arvind Kejriwal In Liquor Policy Scam Are Now Rallying Behind Him |
NEW DELHI: In a remarkable twist of political fate, the Congress party has undergone a notable transformation in its stance towards Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s alleged involvement in the excise policy case and his subsequent arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), shifting from accusations to defence. This significant shift in the party’s position has unfolded against the backdrop of the ED’s action in the excise policy case and the recent sealing of a seat-sharing deal between Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for the forthcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Congress’ Allegations And Protests
Just a year ago, key figures within the Congress party, including Ajay Maken, Arvinder Singh Lovely, Anil Chowdhary and Sandeep Dikshit, were at the forefront of accusing Arvind Kejriwal in connection to the liquor policy scandal that rocked Delhi in 2023. The party organized protests, demanding Kejriwal’s resignation on grounds of alleged corruption and obstructed investigations while he remained in power. Congress leaders had staged a protest led by Anil Chaudhary near the Aam Aadmi Party office, demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal following the arrest of his deputy Manish Sisodia by the CBI. The party had said a fair probe would not be possible as long as Arvind Kejriwal remains in power. “The entire Delhi government is fully immersed in corruption. As long as Kejriwal remains in power, there will not be an independent probe in the liquor scam, and therefore, he should also submit his resignation,” Chaudhary said.
The Congress party had also filed a formal complaint regarding what it termed as Kejriwal’s fraudulent liquor policy. AICC media cell chief Pawan Khera had claimed credit for initiating the probe, asserting that Congress pressure had compelled the BJP-led Centre to investigate the Delhi liquor scam.
Congress’ U-Turn On The Issue
However, in a surprising about-face, Congress is now rallying behind Arvind Kejriwal following his recent arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the excise policy case. Congress Leaders such as Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have criticized the arrest, branding it as ”unconstitutional and indicative of authoritarian tactics” aimed at stifling democracy. Rahul Gandhi even spoke against PM Narendra Modi after the arrest of Kejriwal and accused him of resorting to “dictatorial tactics” to destroy democracy in the country. He said that the opposition INDIA bloc will give a “befitting reply to this”.
Delhi Congress President Arvinder Singh Lovely condemned Kejriwal’s arrest, attributing it to BJP’s political manoeuvring ahead of the upcoming elections. Highlighting the pattern of actions taken against Opposition leaders, including the seizure of Congress’ financial resources and the arrest of Jharkhand’s Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Lovely condemned the use of governmental agencies for political ends. “Congress will not be intimidated by these measures and will continue to fight the elections with vigour. As part of the INDIA alliance, we stand firmly with AAP and extend our full support,” he said.
Sandeep Dikshit, who had previously accused Kejriwal, denounced the arrest as an assault on democratic principles. Dikshit lambasted the BJP, questioning the appropriateness of arresting individuals at their homes and linking such actions directly to the election period. Dikshit emphasized the abnormality of conducting raids at night and suggested that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) could have simply summoned Kejriwal for questioning rather than arresting him, deeming the actions as an attack on democratic principles.
Political Fallout Of Kejriwal’s Arrest
The arrest of Kejriwal has injected fresh tension into the political arena, particularly as it coincides with the looming Lok Sabha elections. While AAP leaders have mobilized to challenge the legality of Kejriwal’s arrest, BJP leaders have staunchly defended the ED’s actions, framing them as necessary steps to combat alleged corruption. Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva defended the ED’s actions, accusing Kejriwal of evading accountability in the liquor policy scam and engaging in “political theatrics.” Sachdeva expressed satisfaction over the arrest, asserting that it was a necessary outcome to counteract what he described as Kejriwal’s attempt to corrupt the youth with alcoholism.
The BJP leadership has also rallied behind the ED’s decision to arrest Kejriwal, framing it as a just resolution in the face of alleged misconduct by the Delhi Chief Minister and his administration in the excise policy scandal.
Delhi Excise Case Background
Following a series of developments in the ongoing excise policy case, Kejriwal was produced before the Rouse Avenue court by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday. He was represented by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi. Kejriwal’s arrest by the ED, which occurred on Thursday, was precipitated by the Delhi High Court’s denial of interim protection against coercive actions related to the excise policy case. This arrest followed Kejriwal’s repeated non-compliance with nine summonses issued by both the Enforcement Directorate and the Delhi High Court, the latter of which declined to grant him relief from potential coercive measures by the investigative agency.
The crux of the case revolves around allegations of irregularities and money laundering associated with the formulation and execution of the Delhi excise policy in 2022, which was subsequently annulled. Kejriwal’s apprehension occurred amidst a broader investigation into financial improprieties linked to the now-defunct excise policy, with notable figures such as K Kavitha, a leader of the Bharat Rashta Samithi (BRS) and daughter of former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, also being ensnared in the probe.
Preceding Kejriwal’s arrest, other prominent individuals involved in Delhi’s governance faced legal repercussions in connection to the same case. Manish Sisodia, the former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, was apprehended by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on February 26, while Sanjay Singh, a member of the Rajya Sabha, was arrested by the ED on October 5. Both Sisodia and Singh remain in judicial custody, further highlighting the gravity of the allegations and the legal ramifications surrounding the excise policy case.
Importantly, Kejriwal’s arrest assumes added significance due to its timing in relation to the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, scheduled to take place between April 19 and June 1. As the political landscape becomes increasingly charged, the ramifications of these legal proceedings extend beyond the confines of the courtroom, influencing the broader discourse surrounding governance and accountability in Delhi.
What Next For AAP?
As the legal battle unfolds, with Kejriwal being produced before the court, the political landscape in Delhi remains charged with uncertainty. With key AAP leaders already in judicial custody in connection to the same case, the implications of Kejriwal’s arrest reverberate through the corridors of power, shaping the narrative ahead of the impending elections.
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Arvind Kejriwal Arrest LIVE Updates: Delhi CM Withdraws SC Plea, To Contest ED Custody First |
Arvind Kejriwal Arrest LIVE Updates: The Supreme Court, with a panel of three judges, is set to consider Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s appeal against his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate over a money laundering case tied to the Delhi excise policy. Kejriwal’s counsel, senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, urgently requested a hearing before a bench led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud. The CJI directed Singhvi to present his plea to a bench presided over by Justice Sanjiv Khanna. Singhvi promptly approached Justice Khanna’s court and presented the case. Justice Khanna announced that a three-judge bench would soon convene to hear Kejriwal’s plea. Following his arrest by the ED, Kejriwal appealed to the Supreme Court late on Thursday which has been withdrawn today. His attorney informed the Supreme Court that they will challenge the remand proceedings in the trial court before presenting another plea to the apex court.
Following the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the alleged liquor policy scandal, tensions have escalated, with his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) announcing nationwide protests outside BJP offices on Friday. The Delhi CM will be produced before the PMLA court today around 2.30 pm. As part of security arrangements, the police have closed all roads leading to the AAP headquarters, currently allowing no cars and only pedestrians on the road. The AAP has summoned all its office-bearers, ministers and councillors to the office headquarters.
Follow Live Updates On Delhi Chief Minister’s Arrest:
12.33 pm: On ED arresting Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, Social activist Anna Hazare told ANI, “I am very upset that Arvind Kejriwal, who used to work with me, raise his voice against liquor, is now making liquor policies. His arrest is because of his own deeds…”
12.31 pm: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal pulls back his plea against arrest by the Enforcement Directorate from the Supreme Court. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Arvind Kejriwal, informs the Supreme Court that Kejriwal is withdrawing the petition due to its clash with the remand.
12.06 pm: DMK leaders and supporters rally in Chennai to oppose the Enforcement Directorate’s detention of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. Dayanidhi Maran, a DMK leader, denounces Kejriwal’s arrest during the party’s demonstration backing him.
12.03 pm: According to Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva, Kejriwal was aware of the corruption involved in formulating and executing the excise policy, as evidenced by the imprisonment of his former Deputy Manish Sisodia and party MP Sanjay Singh. Sachdeva added, “He himself skipped nine Enforcement Directorate summonses. He will now have to answer the ED because he was involved in corruption that is why he has been arrested.”
Sachdeva likened AAP’s protest against Kejriwal’s arrest to the proverb “Chor Machaye Shor” (the culprit makes a lot of noise to cover up the crime), labeling it as “shameless.”
11.40 am: “We will state before the Supreme Court that Arvind Kejriwal should be allowed to meet his lawyer and family and also allowed to carry out his official work. Kejriwal’s family has been put under house arrest,” AAP Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj says after his detention.
#WATCH | AAP Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj detained by police at ITO in Delhi, during the party protest against arrest of CM Arvind Kejriwal
“…We will state before the Supreme Court that Arvind Kejriwal should be allowed to meet his lawyer and family and also allowed to… pic.twitter.com/spScHX44Qi
— ANI (@ANI) March 22, 202411.20 am: Several AAP workers, including minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, Atishi Marlena
detained during their protest at ITO against Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest. -
Slab Of Bihar Bridge Collapses, 8-10 Workers Feared Trapped – WATCH
A part of an under-construction bridge collapsed near Maricha between Bheja-Bakaur.
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MGNREGA Wage Hike And Congress’ Guarantees: Will It Impact 2024 Lok Sabha Polls? |
NEW DELHI: As India braces itself for the crucial 2024 Lok Sabha elections, a significant development in the realm of rural employment has emerged, potentially altering the electoral calculus. The Ministry of Rural Development has been authorised by the Election Commission of India to announce revised wages under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) for the upcoming financial year, which has sparked discussions and debates across the political spectrum.
The Significance Of MGNREGA
MGNREGA, a flagship rural employment scheme of the erstwhile UPA regime guaranteeing 100 days of work each year for every rural household, was enacted in 2005. It holds immense significance in India’s socio-economic landscape. Aimed at providing livelihood security to rural households by guaranteeing 100 days of wage employment in a financial year, MGNREGA plays a pivotal role in alleviating poverty, boosting rural incomes, and enhancing agricultural productivity. The MGNREGA was initiated with the objective of “enhancing livelihood security in rural areas by providing at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in a financial year, to every household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work”. Another aim of MGNREGA is to create durable assets (such as roads, canals, ponds and wells). Employment is to be provided within 5 km of an applicant’s residence, and minimum wages are to be paid. If work is not provided within 15 days of applying, applicants are entitled to an unemployment allowance. Thus, employment under MGNREGA is a legal entitlement.
Implications Of The Wage Hike
The authorization to announce revised wages under MGNREGA comes at a critical juncture – the Model Code of Conduct is in force across the country and the Lok Sabha elections are just a few days away. The decision to raise minimum wages to Rs 400 per day, if implemented, holds profound implications for millions of rural households dependent on MGNREGA for sustenance.
Political Ramifications
From a political standpoint, the timing of the wage hike announcement is noteworthy. As political parties intensify their election campaigns, issues related to rural development, farmer welfare, and employment generation take centre stage. The MGNREGA wage hike could potentially sway voter sentiment in rural constituencies, where agrarian distress and unemployment remain pressing concerns.
Congress’ Guarantees
In a bid to bolster its electoral prospects and resonate with diverse segments of society, the Congress party has further unveiled a comprehensive set of guarantees targeting farmers, women, workers, unemployed youths, and backward communities.
What Are Major Congress’ Guarantees?
Farmers: The Congress has promised to overhaul existing agricultural policies, including amending the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime to exempt agricultural materials, redesigning the PM Fasal Bima Yojana to ensure timely compensation for crop loss, establishing a Standing Farm Loan Waiver Commission, and enacting legislation to grant Minimum Support Price (MSP) legal status.
Workers: The party has pledged to review labour codes, raise MGNREGA wages, pass a right-to-health law, and introduce an urban employment guarantee scheme.
Women: Congress aims to empower women through various initiatives, including social security measures and participatory justice programs.
Unemployed Youths: The party has proposed measures to address youth unemployment through skill development programs and job creation initiatives.
Backward Communities: Congress has committed to conducting a comprehensive social, economic, and caste census, removing the 50% cap on reservations, and allocating budgetary resources proportionate to the population share of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).
The confluence of the MGNREGA wage hike and Congress’ guarantees underscores the pivotal role of socio-economic welfare policies in shaping the electoral discourse. As political parties vie for voter support, issues of rural development, farmer welfare, and inclusive growth take precedence, setting the stage for a fiercely contested electoral battle in 2024.
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No Interim Relief For Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal From HC In ED Summons Case |
In a setback for the Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal, the Delhi High Court refused to grant any interim protection from coercive action by the Enforcement Directorate. The Delhi HC said at this stage it are not inclined to grant an interim relief. However, the court sought a response from the ED on the fresh interim plea and listed the matter for April 22, 2024. The ED will have to submit its reply before April 22.
The Delhi High Court made the observations while hearing a plea filed by Chief Minister Kejriwal seeking protection from coercive actionn by the ED in an excise policy-linked money-laundering case. The application for interim relief forms part of Kejriwal’s petition challenging the summonses issued to him for questioning by the Enforcement Directorate.
The ED has so far issued nine summons to CM Kejriwal but the AAP leaders has skipped all terming them illegal and an attempt by the Centre to arrest him ahead of the polls. On Wednesday, the Delhi HC had asked Kejriwal why he was not appearing before the agency.
During the last hearing, Senior Advocate Abhishek Singhvi, speaking on behalf of the petitioner, emphasized the necessity for his client to cooperate with the Enforcement Directorate (ED), while also requesting protection from any coercive measures. Singhvi highlighted the agency’s evident inclination to apprehend his client, particularly with elections looming, underscoring the urgency of safeguarding against such actions.
In the petition, Kejriwal alleged that the arbitrary implementation of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) is being utilized to create an unfair advantage for the ruling party in the upcoming general elections. This, Kejriwal contended, threatens to distort the electoral process in favor of the incumbent party at the national level.
The case revolves around accusations of corruption and money laundering related to the development and implementation of the Delhi government’s excise policy for the fiscal year 2021-2022, which was subsequently revoked.
In connection with this case, AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh are currently under judicial custody. Kejriwal’s involvement has been repeatedly cited in the charge sheets filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The agency alleges that the accused individuals maintained communication with Kejriwal during the formulation of the excise policy, which allegedly resulted in unjust advantages for them. In purported exchange, they allegedly provided kickbacks to the AAP.