Congress Leader Navjot Sidhu Targets Arvind Kejriwal For Skipping ED Summons, Criticises AAP's Liquor Policy

Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), a prominent member of the opposition INDI Alliance, for the now-revoked Delhi excise policy on Thursday (2 November).

This policy has led to the summoning of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), with some top AAP leaders in judicial custody.

Speaking at a press conference at his Patiala residence, Sidhu highlighted that the AAP-led Delhi government had to withdraw the excise policy within three months of its implementation, suggesting potential issues with the policy.

Sidhu emphasised that the AAP came to power promising not to sell liquor near educational institutions or religious places, yet the policy was withdrawn after just 2.5 to 3 months in effect.

He likened this situation to recalling a car due to a manufacturing defect, raising questions about whether the policy truly served the public interest. He highlighted that a similar policy has been implemented in Punjab and has not been withdrawn.

According to Hindustan Times, Sidhu also criticised the AAP's response to the alleged liquor policy irregularities as "chori aur seena zori" (being at fault but not accepting it).

In response to the ED summons, Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal did not appear for questioning and wrote to the agency, asserting that the summons lacked clarity on the capacity in which he was called. He claimed it was "illegal and politically motivated."

AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj supported Kejriwal, suggesting that BJP MP Manoj Tiwari's remarks in interviews indicated a political conspiracy. Bharadwaj cited the importance of Kejriwal's role as a national convener in five states where elections were taking place, necessitating his involvement in campaigning.