Arvind Kejriwal’s legal and political turmoil: From ED summons to assembly showdowns

In an electrifying session of the Delhi Assembly today, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are set to challenge the political status quo with a motion of confidence, amidst swirling allegations of an audacious attempt by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to “poach” AAP MLAs. This political thriller unfolds as Kejriwal, also the AAP Chief, braces for his appearance before a Delhi court to address his absence from five prior summons by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the contentious liquor policy case, with another summons looming on February 19.

At the heart of this saga is Kejriwal’s bombshell claim in the Assembly: two AAP MLAs were allegedly approached by the BJP with a staggering ₹25 crore offer each to defect. This move, dubbed by Kejriwal as another “Operation Lotus,” was aimed at destabilizing the AAP’s stronghold in the Delhi Assembly. Despite claims of 21 AAP legislators being swayed, Kejriwal’s investigation revealed only seven were contacted, showcasing a blatant attempt to orchestrate a political coup.

Arvind Kejriwal’s Defiance in Face of BJP’s Alleged MLA Poaching Scheme Shakes Delhi. Photo courtesy of Yadhu Krishna BP/Wikimedia Commons.

As Kejriwal gears up to face the ED’s sixth summons, the drama intensifies with the ED accusing him of evading the law, setting a concerning precedent for public compliance. The AAP chief’s repeated dismissal of the summonses as illegal underscores a high-stakes battle with the ED, fueled by speculation of his potential arrest—a narrative that has kept Delhi’s political circles on edge.

The unfolding events mark a critical juncture for AAP, with three key leaders already behind bars and the party rallying behind Kejriwal to lead from jail if necessary. The allegations of a liquor lobby’s involvement in shaping the excise policy, purportedly to benefit from a 12% profit margin and kickbacks, add layers to this complex political showdown. The BJP’s accusations of AAP using scam proceeds for its Gujarat campaign further entangle AAP in a web of legal and ethical challenges.

This political saga reflects not just a battle for power in the Delhi Assembly but also underscores the intricate dance of democracy, legal battles, and the art of political survival. Kejriwal’s maneuvering through allegations, legal summons, and a motion of confidence in the assembly showcases a tumultuous yet fascinating phase in Delhi’s political landscape. As the story unfolds, the resilience of AAP, the strategies of BJP, and the outcomes of Kejriwal’s court appearances will be keenly observed for their broader implications on Indian politics.