In a significant development in the Delhi excise policy case, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale has welcomed the bail granted to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia, while simultaneously raising questions about Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal?s ongoing legal battles.
Speaking on the matter, Athawale stated, "It is good that he [Manish Sisodia] has got bail. There were allegations that the government is misusing the Enforcement Directorate (ED). If ED is wrongly arresting someone, why are they not getting relief from the court?" His remarks appear to address the criticism faced by the central government, which has been accused by opposition parties of using central agencies like the ED for political vendettas.
Athawale's comments carry weight in the context of ongoing allegations against the central government regarding the selective targeting of opposition leaders. His assertion that the judiciary's decision to grant bail to Sisodia counters claims of misuse of power by the ED adds a new dimension to the ongoing political discourse surrounding the case.
However, Athawale didn't stop at merely welcoming Sisodia?s bail. He drew a sharp contrast with the legal situation of Arvind Kejriwal, who remains embroiled in the same controversy. "Arvind Kejriwal is not getting bail. It means there is something in this scam?" Athawale remarked, suggesting that the courts' reluctance to grant Kejriwal bail could indicate the seriousness of the allegations against him.
The Delhi excise policy case has been a contentious issue, with both Manish Sisodia and Arvind Kejriwal facing intense scrutiny. The case revolves around alleged irregularities in the formulation and implementation of Delhi's liquor policy, with accusations that the policy was tweaked to benefit certain private players at the expense of the state exchequer. Both Sisodia and Kejriwal have vehemently denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the charges are politically motivated.
