Kejriwal arrested: what is Delhi liquor policy case?

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in the Delhi liquor policy case. Before him, AAP leader Sanjay Singh and Manish Sisodia were also arrested in the same case.

What is this Liquor policy that has landed the Delhi government in trouble?

The Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government in November 2021 implemented the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22. Under the policy, the Delhi government exited totally from the liquor business opening the avenue completely for private players.

Also Read: Delhi CM's Arrest Live Updates

However, the government was forced to scrap the policy in July after Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena recommended a CBI inquiry over allegations of irregularities in the policy.

This after, Delhi chief secretary Naresh Kumar submitted a report alleging violations of rules and procedural lapses. The report also accused then Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia of bending rules and providing undue benefits to liquor vend licensees in return for kickbacks and commission.

Naresh Kumar has pointed out that these commission were used extensively for the Punjab election campaign.

Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate in its chargesheet has claimed that the party had used the money for the Goa election campaign.

The Aam Admi Party has rebuked all the allegations and reported a substantial 27% increase in income from the liquor policy that generated around ₹ 8,900 crore. However, the ED has claimed that the policy caused ₹2,800 crore loss to the Delhi government.

Also Read: AAP's Atishi accuses BJP of 'attempt to steal elections' after Kejriwal's arrest