In a significant setback for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh on Wednesday alleging his involvement in a money laundering case related to the Delhi liquor policy investigation.
His arrest follows the earlier apprehensions of Manish Sisodia in February, who subsequently resigned from his post of Deputy Chief Minister and the arrest of Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain last year on money laundering charges connected to four companies allegedly linked to him.
The arrest of the AAP MP has ignited a wave of criticism from the INDIA bloc. Many opposition leaders have decried the arrest as illegal and unwarranted.
Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal strongly denounced the arrest of his MP, labeling it as “totally illegal.” He implied that the arrest reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s frustration and hinted at the possibility of more arrests before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Kejriwal also alleged PM Modi’s involvement in corruption and highlighted Sanjay Singh’s role in exposing this, which led to his suspension and eventual arrest.
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Kejriwal underscored AAP’s unwavering commitment to honesty and criticized the lack of substantial recoveries in over 1,000 raids related to a liquor case. He characterized PM Modi as one of the most “corrupt Prime Ministers” since independence.
As quoted by The Indian Express, Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi stated, “It is clearly an illegal arrest. The need of the hour is unity and a resolute determination to combat this continuous illegal misuse of agencies.”
Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav condemned Singh’s arrest, emphasizing that elected officials are engaging in injustice. He highlighted the increasing unemployment and inflation over the past decade and accused the BJP of failing to fulfill its election promises. Yadav also mentioned that not only opposition leaders but even BJP members find this action questionable.
Bihar Deputy CM Tejaswi Yadav accused the BJP of causing trouble wherever regional parties perform well. He cited the fifth summon sent to Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren as an example.
RJD MP Monaj Kumar Jha characterized this as a detention of freedom of thought rather than just Sanjay Singh’s arrest. He stated, “It’s not the arrest of Sanjay Singh but of freedom of thought,” adding that the government shouldn’t make the entire country an enemy in return for Adani’s friendship.
NCP leader Supriya Sule alleged that an “invisible hand” is manipulating central agencies and posted on X, “Deeply troubled by the politically motivated arrest of @AamAadmiParty Leader and Member of Parliament Sanjay Singh (@SanjayAzadSln). It’s clear that some ‘Invisible Hand’ in Delhi is exploiting ICE (Income Tax – CBI and ED) to stifle democratic voices. We stand united and resolute with Sanjay Singh and AAP in defense of democracy,” on X (formerly Twitter).
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has also reportedly called for protests outside the BJP headquarters in Delhi on Thursday against the arrest of its Rajya Sabha member.
‘Flame will soon reach Kejriwal’
Amid the outrage from opposition parties, MP Manoj Tiwari remarked on Wednesday, “Today Sanjay Singh has been arrested (in connection with Delhi liquor policy case). The flame will not remain only on Sanjay Singh or Manish Sisodia or Satyendar Jain, I believe it will soon reach Arvind Kejriwal…”
(With inputs from ANI)