CM Rekha reacts sharply to Arvind Kejriwal’s discharge
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday reacted sharply to the discharge of Arvind Kejriwal in the Delhi excise policy case, saying the order was only from a lower court and claiming that the evidence in the matter was tampered with.
“This is the lower court’s decision. We all know how the evidence was tampered with. If you (Arvind Kejriwal) were right, then why did you withdraw the liquor policy immediately after a probe was launched?” she said. The excise policy was withdrawn in July 2022 by the then AAP government led by Kejriwal after a CBI probe was launched into alleged irregularities and corruption in its formulation and execution.
The courts had also expressed their worry in this case, and traces of money laundering were found. Even today, you are doing drama. What development did you do in Delhi? Every day, scams emerge in schemes started by you. The people of Delhi served justice by voting you out. I am sure the court will also give justice,” the chief minister said.
According to the Chief Minister, the verdict delivered by the trial court in the alleged liquor scam that surfaced during his tenure is not the final truth but merely a part of the legal process.
The truth will ultimately prevail, and therefore Kejriwal should not shed crocodile tears, the Chief Minister said. The Chief Minister made it clear that her government has full respect for the judiciary and honours court decisions. However, portraying this verdict as a “clean chit” is misleading for the public, she said. “The court, in its order, referred to a “lack of evidence.” Insufficient evidence and being completely innocent are two different things. The legal process is not yet complete, and the matter may go to the High Court,” she said. The Chief Minister said she wants to raise some direct questions that the people of Delhi deserve answers to.
“If the liquor policy was so excellent and revenue-enhancing, why was it withdrawn as soon as the investigation began? Why was there a U-turn by scrapping the new policy and reverting to the old one? If there were no flaws in the policy, why was it not continued? Why did the wholesale profit margin increase from five per cent to 12 per cent, and who benefited from it? Why were changes made to the licensing structure that later raised serious concerns? Under what circumstances were these changes made, and who was the real beneficiary? The former Chief Minister must answer these questions,” she said. She further stated that during the investigation, it emerged that around 160 to 170 mobile phones were changed over a period of approximately 200 days. Why was there a need to change such a large number of phones? she questioned.
“Why were questions raised regarding digital records? If there was nothing to hide, why did such circumstances arise? All of this creates serious suspicion. The Hon’ble Supreme Court had earlier noted prima facie indications of large-scale financial transactions in its orders. Similarly, the Delhi High Court had also treated the matter as serious,” the chief minister said.
According to her, bail does not amount to a clean chit. In legal terms, bail and acquittal are two different things.
The chief minister said that the CAG report had indicated a potential revenue loss of thousands of crores of rupees. “That money belongs to the people of Delhi. Public trust is the greatest capital of any government. If that trust has been shaken, accountability must be fixed. If someone calls himself “staunchly honest,” why were there allegations of evading investigation? Why were there reports of summons being ignored? A truly honest leader does not run from questions, but faces them and provides answers,” she said.
The Chief Minister said that the people of Delhi have already delivered their political verdict, adding that now the judicial process will move forward. “Higher courts will re-examine the evidence and facts will emerge. We have full faith in the judicial system,” the chief minister said.
The Chief Minister stated firmly that respecting the law is everyone’s responsibility, but no one is above accountability. The truth will come out, and the final verdict is yet to be delivered.
This is the lower court’s decision. We all know how the evidence was tampered with. If you (Arvind Kejriwal) were right, then why did you withdraw the liquor policy immediately after a probe was launched?
— Rekha Gupta, Chief Minister
