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

Soon after Mr Anand made a significant announcement, AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj held a press conference, alleging that Mr Anand was forced to resign by the BJP. However, Mr Anand did not confirm or imply that he was pressured, as claimed by Mr Bharadwaj. Mr Anand, the social welfare, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes minister, expressed his decision to leave AAP, citing the party’s involvement in corrupt practices as the reason. He expressed his disappointment and stated that he had joined AAP with the belief in its strong stance against corruption, but now felt compelled to resign.

As the MLA from Patel Nagar, Mr Anand became the first Delhi government minister to resign from his position and quit the AAP due to the arrest of Mr Kejriwal and the liquor policy case. He voiced his concerns about discriminatory practices within AAP, highlighting the absence of Dalit representation in the party’s leadership positions. He emphasized his adherence to the principles of Baba Saheb Ambedkar and stated that he could not continue working for a party that did not address the needs of Dalits. Mr Anand’s house was searched by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection to a customs-linked money laundering case.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence had alleged false declarations in imports for customs evasions, leading to the ED filing a complaint against Mr Anand. Additionally, AAP leader Atishi alleged that the BJP was using pressure tactics to induce AAP leaders to join their party, which resulted in a defamation notice being sent to her by the Delhi BJP unit. The Delhi High Court rejected Mr Kejriwal’s challenge to his arrest in the liquor policy case, in which the ED accused him and his colleagues of taking kickbacks. The ED alleged that the liquor policy provided high profit margins for retailers and wholesalers, with a portion being recovered as bribes, which was then supposedly used as poll expenses.

Mr Kejriwal and the AAP repeatedly denied these allegations, asserting that they were part of a political conspiracy against the Chief Minister.