The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has implicated Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal in a significant political and financial scandal. The CBI alleges that Kejriwal promised INR 90 lakh to each of 40 AAP candidates in the 2021 Goa Assembly elections, funds purportedly provided by the "South Group" in return for favors granted through Delhi's controversial excise policy for 2021-22. This scandal has escalated with Kejriwal’s arrest, ongoing legal proceedings, and counterclaims by AAP, marking a critical moment in Indian politics. The trial is set to proceed, with the next hearing scheduled for September 3.

CBI Alleges Financial Misconduct by AAP Leadership

The CBI has accused Arvind Kejriwal of promising INR 90 lakh to each of 40 AAP candidates during the 2021 Goa Assembly elections. These funds, according to the CBI, were sourced from the "South Group" in exchange for political favors linked to Delhi's excise policy.

Link to Delhi's Scrapped Excise Policy

The financial transactions in question are allegedly tied to the Delhi government’s now-defunct excise policy for 2021-22. The CBI claims that the policy was manipulated to benefit the "South Group," who, in turn, provided substantial campaign funds to AAP.

Arvind Kejriwal’s Arrest and Legal Proceedings

Kejriwal was arrested by the CBI in June, following a complaint by Lieutenant-Governor V.K. Saxena, who alleged various irregularities in the implementation of the excise policy. The court has extended Kejriwal’s judicial custody and set the next hearing for September 3.

CBI’s Fourth Supplementary Chargesheet

During the hearing, the CBI presented its fourth supplementary chargesheet, naming Kejriwal, AAP MLA Durgesh Pathak, businessman Amit Arora, and Aurobindo Pharma director P. Sarath Reddy among others. The chargesheet outlines the alleged financial transactions and the involvement of AAP leadership.

AAP’s Counterclaims and Political Fallout

In response, AAP has dismissed the allegations as baseless, accusing the BJP of using central agencies to fabricate stories for political gain. AAP asserts that these accusations are part of a broader strategy to undermine its credibility ahead of upcoming elections.

Vijay Nair’s Role in the Alleged Deal

The CBI has also highlighted the role of Vijay Nair, AAP’s former communications in-charge, in negotiating the deal with the "South Group." Nair is accused of coordinating the election-related expenditure under the direction of Durgesh Pathak.

CBI Declares Readiness for Trial

Concluding its submissions, the CBI informed the court that no further investigation is required, signaling its readiness to proceed with the trial. This sets the stage for a closely watched legal battle with significant political ramifications.