Senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party Manjinder Singh Sirsa (file photo).
New Delhi:
Senior BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa has informed Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena and the Enforcement Directorate over the “orders” issued by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal File a complaint. Arvind Kejriwal is now in the custody of the investigating agency after he was arrested last week in connection with the liquor policy scam.
Mr Sirsa alleged that the “forged official order on Delhi government letterhead… was not numbered, dated and signed (and) clearly indicated unauthorized use of powers”.
“Today I have filed a complaint against Atishi with the Deputy Governor and the Enforcement Directoratelucky (Delhi Education and Public Works Minister) and others issued illegal orders in the name of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. They claim that the order was issued by the chief minister while he is in jail… in ED custody,” Mr Sirsa said in a video statement.
I have lodged a complaint with @LtGovDelhi and @dir_ed Regarding the forged official order bearing the Delhi government’s letterhead, which purportedly came from CM Arvind Kejriwal, he is remanded in ED till March 28.
The order has no number, date or signature. It clearly indicates an unauthorized use of power. … pic.twitter.com/9ePrf2yvcE
— Manjinder Singh Sirsa (Modi family) (@mssirsa) March 26, 2024
“This is completely illegal and unconstitutional… and a criminal conspiracy against the people of Delhi and the chief minister’s office. Kejriwallucky Being detained by the ED lacks the legal capacity to issue such an order without the permission of the court, which has not yet been granted,” he continued.
“We demand an investigation… who is abusing the powers of the chief minister’s office and for what personal gain?” he said on X (formerly Twitter)
Kejriwal’s prison ‘order’
Earlier today, Mr Kejriwal issued what his party said was his second directive while in ED custody.
Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj shared the news regarding free medicines and path testing at government-run clinics in the national capital. He said the chief minister had “received information about the problem” and directed him to ensure that tests and medicines are provided free of charge at clinics.
Read | Kejriwal’s second lockdown comes at Delhi’s Mohalla Clinic
Mr Kejriwal’s first proposal was passed on Monday. Atish told reporters that the chief minister “is aware that some areas in Delhi are facing water supply and sewerage issues”. A tearful Atish said the chief minister had said “people should not face any problem because I am in jail…”
Read | Kejriwal’s first detention order is over water and sewage issues
Both orders were criticized by the BJP, which said the letters were “scripted”.
Why was Delhi Chief Minister arrested?
Arvind Kejriwal is in the custody of the Enforcement Directorate till March 28. He was arrested over an alleged alcohol policy scam that disrupted his party ahead of the election.
NDTV Explained | Why the Enforcement Directorate arrested Arvind Kejriwal
ED believes that the now-defunct policy provided high profit margins of nearly 185% to retailers and 12% to wholesalers. Of this, 6% (over Rs 600 crore) was recovered as bribes and the money was allegedly used to fund poll campaigns in Goa and Punjab.
Protests against Kejriwal’s arrest
His arrest just weeks before the election triggered protests from party cadres and opposition leaders, including the Congress and Trinamool; all three are part of the Indian bloc.
Today’s protest resulted in several party members being detained and bundled into waiting police cars.
Read | AAP protests seeking release of Kejriwal, BJP wants him to resign
The arrest also raises questions about how the government will function now that the chief minister is in jail. AAP maintained that governance will not be affected and Arvind Kejriwal will continue as its chief. In fact, sources told New Delhi TV there was no reason why this couldn’t happen.
Party sources pointed out that Kejriwal was only arrested but not convicted.
Read | AAP leader explains how Kejriwal passed jail’s first order
However, even if that were the case, under current guidelines it would be difficult for the First Minister to run the government from jail as he can only hold meetings twice a week.
A former law firm suggested a solution to New Delhi TV. This would involve the Lieutenant Governor recognizing Mr Kejriwal’s home as a prison – effectively placing him under house arrest.
Meanwhile, the BJP has demanded Kejriwal’s resignation.
The Delhi High Court will hear Mr Kejriwal’s plea on Wednesday – challenging his arrest and seven-day detention by the investigating agency. Last week, he withdrew his petition to the Supreme Court because he believed any plea would be rejected because he had made the request directly to the Supreme Court.
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