New Delhi: In a startling revelation today, Atishi, a senior leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Delhi minister, alleged that she had been threatened to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or face impending actions from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) within a month. She emphasized the necessity of preparing for potential arrest by the ED.
Speaking at a press conference, Atishi disclosed that she had received intimations suggesting imminent arrests not only for herself but also for three other AAP leaders: Delhi Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj, MLA Durgesh Pathak, and Rajya Sabha member Raghav Chadha.
Atishi asserted that she had been informed of impending raids by the Enforcement Directorate on her and her relatives’ residences in the forthcoming days. She attributed these threats to the apparent nervousness of the BJP following the successful rally organized by the opposition alliance, Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (India), at Ramlila Maidan on Sunday.
Notably, recent developments have intensified scrutiny on AAP leaders. The ED, in its application, cited statements by Arvind Kejriwal alleging that one of the accused, Vijay Nair, reported to Atishi and Saurabh Bhardwaj rather than to him.
The apprehensions of AAP leaders escalated further following the arrest of the party’s former communication in-charge, Vijay Nair, by the investigating agency. Several other AAP members, including Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, have also been detained in connection with the excise policy case.
During custodial interrogation, Chief Minister Kejriwal’s responses were deemed evasive by the ED. The agency highlighted discrepancies between Kejriwal’s statements and Vijay Nair’s testimonies, indicating a deeper involvement of AAP leaders in the alleged wrongdoings.
Vijay Nair’s prominent role within the AAP hierarchy was underscored during court proceedings, where evidence of his close association with the arrested persons and his pivotal position in the party’s media and communication wing was presented.
The ED further elucidated that Vijay Nair’s refusal to cooperate in providing digital device passwords hindered evidence collection, suggesting a lack of transparency and cooperation on his part.
In light of these developments, CM Kejriwal was remanded to judicial custody till April 15. His plea for access to religious texts and a book on governance was addressed during the court session.
As the investigation unfolds, the political landscape in Delhi remains tense, with AAP leaders grappling with the repercussions of these allegations and impending legal proceedings.
