Sunita Kejriwal Appeals for Support for Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, Alleges Political Conspiracy
07.07.2024: Sunita Kejriwal, wife of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, has made a fervent appeal for public support, asserting that her husband is the target of a political conspiracy. This plea comes in the wake of his arrest on March 21, linked to a money laundering case involving the now-defunct Delhi excise policy.
In a heartfelt message shared on the Aam Aadmi Party’s official X page, Sunita emphasized Arvind Kejriwal’s integrity and dedication. She described him as an educated, everyday man and a patriot, urging supporters to stand by him during these challenging times. “He is an educated, everyday man, a patriot and a deeply loyal person. If you don’t stand next to him today then this country will probably never see well-educated and loyal people in politics,” she stated.
Allegations and Testimonies
Sunita Kejriwal highlighted that the arrest stemmed from testimony provided by TDP MP Magunta Sreenivasulu Reddy (MSR) to the Enforcement Directorate (ED). MSR initially testified about meeting Kejriwal at the Delhi Secretariat to discuss acquiring land for a family charitable trust. According to Sunita, Kejriwal directed MSR to file an application since the land fell under the jurisdiction of the Lieutenant Governor (LG).
However, Sunita claimed that the ED was dissatisfied with MSR’s responses, leading to the arrest of MSR’s son, Raghava Reddy. She detailed the immense pressure faced by MSR’s family, resulting in significant personal distress, including the deteriorating health of MSR’s elderly mother and a suicide attempt by Raghava Reddy’s wife. This pressure, Sunita alleged, forced MSR to alter his testimony on July 17, 2023.
Changed Testimony
The revised testimony accused Arvind Kejriwal of suggesting that MSR open a liquor business and pay the Aam Aadmi Party Rs 100 crore in exchange. Sunita dismissed these claims as absurd, questioning why Kejriwal would make such a request in front of numerous people during their first meeting. “Why would he ask for money from a stranger on their first meeting in front of 10-12 other people? It’s obvious that MSR and his family were tormented for five months, which is why he gave false testimony to save his son,” she argued.
Legal Proceedings
Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest followed nine summonses from the ED regarding the liquor policy scam. The ED accused the AAP of selling liquor licenses to vendors and receiving hefty kickbacks, alongside allegations of money laundering involving large sums from a liquor group. On June 21, the Delhi High Court stayed a bail order for Kejriwal as the CBI began a separate investigation into the money laundering case linked to the excise policy.
Political Reactions
Sunita Kejriwal’s appeal has drawn sharp reactions. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva criticized her for allegedly casting aspersions on the judiciary. “It’s shocking to note that she wants Delhiites to believe when MP M S Reddy was giving a true statement, the court didn’t allow bail to his son,” he remarked. Reddy has yet to respond to these claims.
Sunita Kejriwal’s emotional plea underscores the deep political and personal turmoil surrounding Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest. As legal battles continue, the support of the public and the unfolding political dynamics will significantly influence the outcome of this high-stakes situation.