New Delhi
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi expressed the party’s disagreement with the Supreme Court’s order denying bail to former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia in the liquor policy case. Sisodia faces money laundering and corruption charges related to the now-scrapped Delhi liquor policy and has been in custody since February. Investigations are being conducted by both the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Atishi referred to the Supreme Court’s observations during Sisodia’s bail plea hearing, stating that the court had raised challenging questions and observed that the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) could not apply unless quid pro quo was established and money laundering was proved. The court repeatedly asked the ED to demonstrate the money trail to Sisodia or his relatives and emphasized that policymaking falls outside its jurisdiction. She emphasized that while the AAP respects the Supreme Court, the party disagrees with the court’s order. Atishi stated that the AAP is an honest political party and that the ED and CBI cannot prove any corruption allegations against its members. She pointed out that no AAP leader has been involved in corruption, even to the extent of one rupee. Regarding the mention of a ₹338 crore figure, Atishi explained that this had not previously arisen in court proceedings. The AAP intends to thoroughly examine the court’s order to understand the context of this figure and explore any available legal recourse. Atishi also criticized the BJP, claiming that the party aims to eliminate opposition parties and win elections through backdoor methods, describing this as BJP’s arrogance. She expressed confidence that the people of India would provide a fitting response to the BJP’s actions.
