On August 27, 2024, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) made significant claims in a Delhi court regarding Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his involvement in a major corruption scandal linked to the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) 2021 Goa Assembly election campaign. The CBI alleged that Kejriwal had promised ₹90 lakh to each of the 40 AAP candidates for their campaign efforts, funded by alleged bribe money.
Background of the Allegations
The CBI’s claims stem from a broader investigation into irregularities surrounding the Delhi government’s 2021-22 excise policy, which has since been scrapped. The agency alleges that the funds in question were provided by the “South Group”—a consortium of South Indian businessmen—in exchange for favors granted through the excise policy.
Kejriwal was arrested by the CBI in June 2024, following a complaint from Lieutenant-Governor V.K. Saxena. The complaint detailed alleged irregularities in the implementation of the liquor policy, which has since been a focal point of the investigation.
CBI’s Claims and Court Proceedings
During the court hearing, Special Public Prosecutor D.P. Singh presented evidence that allegedly links Kejriwal to the scandal. According to Singh, Kejriwal assured that ₹90 lakh would be provided to each of the 40 AAP candidates for the Goa Assembly elections. The money, the prosecutor claimed, was directed from the “South Group” and used to support AAP’s electoral efforts.
“The entire bribe money, amounting to ₹45 crore, was sent to AAP and spent as per the wish of Arvind Kejriwal,” Singh stated. He further detailed that Vijay Nair, the former communications in-charge of AAP, had negotiated the deal with the South Group. AAP MLA Durgesh Pathak, who managed the party’s Goa campaign, was also named in the charges.
The CBI has submitted its fourth supplementary chargesheet, which includes Kejriwal and other notable figures such as AAP MLA Durgesh Pathak, businessman Amit Arora, and P. Sarath Reddy of Aurobindo Pharma. The court extended Kejriwal’s judicial custody by a week and scheduled the next hearing for September 3.
Response from Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)
In response to the CBI’s allegations, AAP accused the BJP of fabricating stories to manage headlines and undermine the party’s reputation. An AAP statement claimed, “All corrupt politicians of the country have joined the BJP. However, the security deposits of all its candidates will be forfeited in the upcoming elections.”
AAP asserted that the BJP’s attempt to malign the party is unfounded, citing a lack of substantial evidence or recovered funds.
Recent Developments
Kejriwal, who appeared in court via video conferencing from jail, requested permission to have lunch due to his declining sugar levels. The court granted his request while extending his judicial custody.
The case has attracted significant attention given the high-profile nature of the allegations and Kejriwal’s position as Delhi Chief Minister. His arrest followed earlier detention by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21, 2024, in a related money laundering case.
The investigation has also brought to light other elements of the scandal, including claims involving P. Sarath Chandra Reddy, a member of the South Group and an approver in the case, who allegedly provided ₹14 crore for a land deal involving K Kavitha, a leader of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS).
Conclusion
The ongoing legal proceedings against Arvind Kejriwal and other figures associated with the AAP reflect the complexities and high stakes of political corruption investigations in India. As the case progresses, it will likely continue to be a focal point of political and public discourse, with significant implications for the involved parties and the broader political landscape.
The court’s next steps and the outcomes of the investigation will be closely watched as the legal process unfolds.