In the midst of political upheaval, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal defended his decision to skip Enforcement Directorate (ED) summons for the third time, citing Republic Day preparations and Rajya Sabha elections. The ED had issued the summons in connection with the liquor policy case, and Kejriwal expressed his willingness to answer any questionnaire sent by the agency.

In a letter posted by the Aam Aadmi Party, Kejriwal reiterated objections to what he deems “motivated and issued for vexatious considerations.” He highlighted the ambiguity surrounding whether he is being summoned as a witness or a suspect in the case.

“The summons appear to be in the nature of fishing and roving inquiry as it does not specify whether I am being summoned as an individual or in my official capacity as Chief Minister of Delhi or as National Convenor of AAP,” he stated.

Kejriwal, holding key positions in both the Aam Aadmi Party and the Delhi government, asserted his engagements with Republic Day preparations and the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections as reasons for not appearing before the ED.

While the AAP raised similar objections to the summons, alleging that the only aim was to arrest Kejriwal, the BJP countered, claiming he is “shaking in fear” and avoiding the agency because he is the “kingpin” of the alleged liquor policy scam.

Kejriwal highlighted the timing of the summons, justifying his non-appearance by stating that the Rajya Sabha elections in Delhi are scheduled for January 19, and as the National Convenor of AAP, he is actively involved in the electoral process.

“In such circumstances, I hope that you shall act as per law by transparently and fairly considering my objections as raised and indicated in my earlier responses dated 02.11.2023 and 20.12.2023. In the meanwhile, I would be happy to respond to any questionnaire if you seek any information/documents, which are in my knowledge/possession,” Kejriwal said.

The AAP chief accused the Enforcement Directorate of adopting a ‘non-disclosure’ and ‘non-response’ approach, challenging the agency’s role as “judge, jury, and executioner at the same time,” which he deemed unacceptable in a country governed by the rule of law.

Kejriwal expressed his willingness to cooperate with any investigation but raised concerns about “certain vested interests and extraneous as well as malafide considerations prevailing over any objective, rational, fair or impartial inquiry or investigations.”

As the political drama unfolds, India awaits further developments, and the AAP questions the intent and fairness of the purported inquiry, while the BJP asserts Kejriwal’s imminent arrest.