BJP Using ED to Stop Campaign, Says Kejriwal

NEW DELHI: Anticipating a fourth summon from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the alleged excise policy case, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal accused the BJP-led Central government of trying to arrest him and prevent his active participation in the Lok Sabha elections.

During an online press conference, Kejriwal accused the BJP of attempting to tarnish his honesty, asserting that the ED's summons were aimed at hurting his "biggest asset." He expressed his willingness to cooperate with the ED if legally valid summons were issued.

Kejriwal stated, "My lawyers have told me that the ED summons are illegal. The BJP wants to arrest me to stop me from campaigning for the Lok Sabha polls." He appealed to the public for support, emphasising that honest leaders should not be imprisoned, and alleged the misuse of probe agencies by the BJP for political reasons.

Refuting corruption allegations, Kejriwal questioned the absence of any findings despite multiple raids conducted by agencies in the last two years. He asserted, "If corruption has really happened, then where have all those crores of rupees gone? Did all the money disappear into thin air? The truth is that there was no corruption of any kind; if it had happened, then money would also have been received."

In response, the BJP accused Kejriwal of evading the ED probe and behaving like a "fugitive." Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva stated, "They have committed theft and corruption, and now they are creating a ruckus."

BJP spokesperson Bansuri Swaraj emphasised that Kejriwal is not above the law and criticised his reluctance to participate in the investigation. "The ED has sent three summons, but the CM is running away from an investigation. He doesn't want to be involved in the investigation," Swaraj said.

Amidst these developments, Kejriwal announced a three-day poll campaigning tour in Gujarat beginning on Saturday. There were also claims of increased security at Kejriwal's residence, with AAP leaders suggesting the possibility of an impending ED raid and arrest, while the police explained the enhanced security measures as a means to manage the gathered media personnel.