BJP Demands Kejriwal to Step Down After Delhi HC Supports His Arrest

The BJP has renewed its call for Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's resignation following a high court ruling that upheld his arrest by the CBI in a corruption case linked to the alleged excise policy scam. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) criticised the BJP, accusing it of misleading Delhi's residents.

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva, during a press conference, stated that both the Supreme Court's decision on the lieutenant governor's authority to appoint aldermen to the MCD and the Delhi High Court's verdict in the excise policy case are triumphs for Delhi's populace. He questioned Kejriwal's moral right to continue as Chief Minister, citing administrative paralysis and lack of accountability among AAP ministers.

High Court Verdict and BJP's Reaction

The Delhi High Court upheld Kejriwal's arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the corruption case related to the alleged excise scam. This decision dealt a significant blow to the AAP leader. The court also dismissed his bail plea but allowed him to seek relief from the trial court.

BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj remarked that while upholding Kejriwal's arrest, the court noted it could not be deemed unjustifiable or illegal. She accused Kejriwal of causing governance paralysis by insisting on running the government from jail.

AAP's Response and Legal Proceedings

The AAP argued that the CBI case had not been decided on its merits by the court. They stated that the petition before the High Court challenged certain technical aspects of the law, specifically non-compliance by prosecution with certain legal provisions. The party emphasised that both the trial court and Supreme Court had already granted bail to Kejriwal.

Kejriwal was arrested by the CBI on June 26 from Tihar Jail, where he was in judicial custody in a related money laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The chief minister had been arrested by the ED on March 21 and was granted bail by the trial court in this money laundering case on June 20. However, this order was stayed by the high court.

Excise Policy Controversy

The excise policy was scrapped in 2022 after Delhi's lieutenant governor ordered a CBI investigation into alleged irregularities and corruption in its formulation and execution. This led to significant political turmoil and legal battles involving top AAP leaders.

Sachdeva asserted that Kejriwal should step down as Chief Minister to allow someone else to take responsibility and restore effective governance in Delhi. He claimed that the high court order validated BJP's allegations that AAP and Kejriwal's administration had looted Delhi through the excise policy scam.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) case against Kejriwal was decided on its merits, with the trial court concluding there was no evidence against him. On July 12, the Supreme Court granted him interim bail in this money laundering case.

The ongoing legal battles and political accusations have created a challenging environment for governance in Delhi. The BJP continues to press for accountability, while AAP defends its leader against what it calls politically motivated charges.