Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva criticized the AAP’s celebration following a Delhi Special Court judgment that offered relief to Arvind Kejriwal in the “liquor policy scam.” Sachdeva accused the accused of destroying SIM cards and other evidence, emphasizing that the court’s decision was solely due to a “lack of evidence” and not a complete exoneration of Kejriwal. He highlighted that the investigating agency has consistently alleged that Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia were involved in evidence tampering.
Sachdeva pointed out that crucial details about the allegedly destroyed SIM cards and mobile phones have not been disclosed yet, as noted in the court’s ruling. He raised questions about the sudden withdrawal of the excise policy once the investigation commenced, the motive behind increasing commission percentages for contractors, and the introduction of a ‘buy one, get one free’ scheme.
The Delhi BJP chief further asserted that Kejriwal still has unanswered questions and labeled him as “corrupt,” claiming there is insufficient evidence to prove his innocence. Sachdeva mentioned that the people of Delhi had already expressed their judgment by removing Kejriwal from power in the Assembly elections, indicating a lack of trust in his integrity. He accused Kejriwal of resorting to emotional displays in the media to garner public sympathy, which he criticized as political theatrics.
Sachdeva also alleged that Kejriwal’s involvement in corruption extends beyond the liquor policy issue, citing a series of alleged scams that, in his view, demonstrate Kejriwal’s corrupt practices. Earlier in the day, the Rouse Avenue Court discharged Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and 23 others in the excise policy case, absolving them of corruption and wrongdoing charges, citing the absence of a broader conspiracy or criminal intent.
The case revolves around the Delhi Excise Policy introduced by the AAP government in November 2021 to reform liquor businesses and regulations in the national capital. However, the policy faced backlash and was eventually scrapped in 2022 amid allegations of collusion with the liquor mafia by the BJP. The case originated from a report by the then Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar to Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, highlighting procedural lapses and deficiencies in policy formulation.
