
Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal’s decision to skip a summon from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has sparked political controversy, with Congress MP Pramod Tiwari alleging a pattern of targeting opposition leaders by misusing government agencies. Tiwari’s remarks drew attention to similar instances in Jharkhand and Bihar, where he claimed that opposition leaders faced legal troubles after refusing to align with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
#WATCH | On Delhi CM and AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal skipping ED summon, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari says, "Look at the coincidence. This was first done with the Jharkhand CM – break the alliance and don't join INDIA. He was then sent to the jail. The same is being done… pic.twitter.com/64iYej21F4
— ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2024
Tiwari pointed to the case of the Jharkhand Chief Minister, alleging that after breaking the alliance and refraining from joining hands with the BJP, he was subsequently sent to jail. Similarly, in Bihar, Tiwari asserted that false cases were being imposed on Tejashwi Yadav and the ailing Lalu Yadav, while also accusing investigative agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and Income Tax Department of being misused for political gains.
Drawing parallels, Tiwari mentioned Maharashtra, where allegations of corruption were initially made against leaders, only for them to be absolved after forming an alliance with the BJP. He suggested that a similar strategy might be at play concerning Arvind Kejriwal, implying that the ruling party might be apprehensive about the AAP leader joining forces with the opposition. Tiwari asserted that the BJP’s fear of losing power was evident from internal surveys projecting a decrease in their seat count.
The Congress MP accused the BJP of resorting to desperate measures and misusing government machinery to maintain its grip on power. Tiwari claimed that these tactics were indicative of the BJP’s weakening position and growing apprehension about the strengthening unity among opposition parties. He suggested that the BJP’s actions were driven by fear of losing ground, particularly in crucial states like Uttar Pradesh.
Kejriwal’s decision to skip the ED summons amid such political speculation has added fuel to the ongoing debate over the alleged misuse of government agencies for political vendetta. While the AAP leader has cited prior commitments and legal advice as reasons for his absence, the broader political narrative surrounding the incident continues to deepen, reflecting the charged atmosphere of Indian politics in the run-up to key elections.