L-G recommends CBI probe into Delhi govt's excise policy

KEJRIWAL SAYS HIS MINISTERS ON TARGET AS AAP'S POPULARITY IS GROWING

NEW DELHI: The Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena has recommended a CBI probe into its Excise Policy, 2021-22 over alleged violations of rules and procedural lapses, even as Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal alleged that his ministers are being targeted because of the AAP's growing popularity across the country. He defended his deputy Manish Sisodia as a "kattar imandar" and claimed that he could be framed in a "fake" case and arrested in a few days.

According to officials, the inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was recommended on a basis of a report filed by the Delhi chief secretary earlier this month, showing prima facie violations, including "deliberate and gross procedural lapses", to provide post-tender "undue benefits to liquor licensees" through the policy. A copy of the report was also sent to the chief minister, they said.

The AAP alleged that the CBI probe was recommended by the L-G at the behest of the BJP-led Centre to implicate Sisodia, who xcise department of the Delhi government, in a fake case and keep the Kejriwal-led party at bay in the upcoming Assembly polls.

"This case will not hold in a court. Manish is a hardcore honest man and he will walk free, Kejriwal told a press conference.

The chief minister abstained from his weekly Friday meeting with the L-G scheduled for 4 pm. The Delhi government refuted claims that Kejriwal was unwell but did not put forward any reason for him not being available for the meeting.

"I came to know that a case has been sent to the CBI against Manish Sisodia and the agency is going to arrest him in a few days. It is a completely fake case. There is not even an iota of truth in this case," Kejriwal said at an online briefing.

The AAP national convenor said he has known Sisodia for 22 years and vouched for his honesty, saying he worked round the clock to improve the standard of the government schools in Delhi.