Arvind Kejriwal jailed; Minister Raaj Kumar Anand resigns from AAP, citing “corruption”.

After Mr. Anand made a significant announcement, AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj held a press conference alleging that Mr. Anand was pressured by the BJP to resign. In response, Mr. Anand did not confirm or allude to succumbing to any such pressure, instead emphasizing his decision to join AAP based on its stance against corruption and his subsequent disappointment over the party’s involvement in what he perceived as corrupt activities. As the social welfare, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes minister, Mr. Anand expressed his sorrow and disillusionment, referencing a past slogan by Arvind Kejriwal about the transformative potential of politics and how it has seemingly not materialized. Mr. Anand, the MLA from Patel Nagar, became the first Delhi government minister to resign from his post and the AAP as a direct outcome of Mr. Kejriwal’s arrest coupled with the entire liquor policy case.

He additionally accused the AAP of discriminatory practices in the appointment of leadership positions and the absence of Dalit representation within the party. Mr. Anand highlighted his commitment to the principles of Baba Saheb Ambedkar and his inability to effectively advocate for Dalits within the party as a reason for his departure. A search of Mr. Anand’s house by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a customs-related money laundering case in November 2023 was highlighted. The complaint alleged false declarations in imports leading to customs evasions amounting to over Rs 7 crore, following which the ED filed a complaint against Mr. Anand.

The text also underlines Atishi’s claim that the BJP had attempted to coerce her to join the party and threatened her with potential arrest by the ED if she refused. Subsequently, the Delhi BJP unit sent her a defamation notice. The Delhi High Court’s rejection of Mr. Kejriwal’s challenge to his arrest in the liquor policy case is addressed, alongside the allegations made by the ED against Mr. Kejriwal and his colleagues regarding kickbacks and corruption in the liquor policy. Despite denying these allegations, the AAP has asserted that a political conspiracy is being plotted against Mr. Kejriwal, a prominent member of the Opposition bloc INDIA.