Delhi CM skips ED summon in excise policy case; Describes it as "illegal and politically motivated"

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has decided not to appear for questioning before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the Excise Policy Case. Instead, he is holding a road show in Madhya Pradesh, along with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Kejriwal's move comes as a response to what he calls an "illegal and politically motivated" ED summon. He has accused the BJP of orchestrating the notice to hinder his election campaigning in four states, including Madhya Pradesh, where polling is scheduled for this month.

Kejriwal said that the notice was sent to ensure that he is "unable to go for election campaigning in four states." The states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Mizoram, Telangana and Chhatisgarh will see voting this month and the counting for the same will be on December 3.

Kejriwal's demand for the immediate withdrawal of the notice has escalated tensions between the AAP-led Delhi government and the central agencies. The ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) are investigating the scrapped 2021-22 excise policy of the Delhi government, which has drawn allegations of favoritism towards certain liquor dealers by the opposition BJP.