"Arvind Kejriwal Appoints Two AAP Ministers: BJP Intensifies Criticism"

"Arvind Kejriwal's Arrest on March 21st, Linked to Alleged Liquor Policy Scandal, Followed Delhi High Court's Refusal to Offer Protection from Detention."

In New Delhi, the BJP launched a scathing attack on Arvind Kejriwal on Monday following revelations from the Enforcement Directorate. The agency stated that during interrogation, the Delhi Chief Minister provided "false and contradictory" information regarding fellow members of his AAP party. Allegedly, Kejriwal, deemed the "kingpin" in the liquor policy scandal, described his AAP colleagues as "confused" when discussing their statements.

These sharp criticisms emerged shortly after Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court was informed that Kejriwal had given "evasive replies" and withheld pertinent information related to the investigation into the alleged scam. The court, responding to the ED's request, granted a 15-day judicial remand for Kejriwal, who had been arrested the previous month and was now sent to Delhi's Tihar Jail until April 15.

The agency alleged that Kejriwal suggested that Vijay Nair, the former AAP communications head, answered to Delhi Ministers Atishi and Saurabh Bhardwaj, not to him. Nonetheless, the ED emphasized Nair's remarks indicating that he operated from Kejriwal's office. Exploiting these inconsistencies, BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi criticized the AAP administration and demanded Kejriwal's resignation based on ethical and legal justifications.

Additionally, the BJP mocked Kejriwal's shifting allegiances, highlighting his transition from following Anna Hazare to allegedly aligning with Lalu Prasad Yadav. Trivedi juxtaposed Kejriwal's refusal to resign amid controversy with Yadav's resignation upon facing corruption charges.

The BJP's sustained onslaught continued following the release of the ED's remand document. According to the agency, Kejriwal failed to account for the numerous meetings Vijay Nair, a key accused turned government informant, had with other implicated individuals in the liquor industry. The Delhi Chief Minister purportedly dodged inquiries on this matter and others, as stated by the ED.

Kejriwal's arrest on March 21, subsequent to the Delhi High Court's decision not to shield him, stems from the ED's belief that the now-repealed policy provided exorbitant profit margins, with alleged kickbacks funding political campaigns.

Kejriwal, along with his incarcerated colleagues and senior AAP members, has vehemently denied these accusations. They cite the absence of cash recovery over the two-year investigation period and accuse the BJP of orchestrating a pre-election smear campaign. The opposition also accuses the BJP of leveraging federal investigative agencies like the ED and CBI to target political adversaries.

In response, the BJP has adamantly refuted these allegations.

Kejriwal is slated to spend the next fortnight in Delhi's Tihar Jail alongside former deputy Manish Sisodia, former Health Minister Satyendar Jain, and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh. Sisodia and Singh, along with opposition figure K Kavitha from the BRS, face charges in the liquor scandal. Jain is detained on money laundering charges.

Kejriwal has initiated legal proceedings against his arrest, alleging infringement of his fundamental rights. The Delhi High Court has served a notice to the ED, and the case is scheduled to recommence on Wednesday.