Delhi L-G Calls for NIA investigation into alleged ‘Khalistani’ funding to Kejriwal
The AAP has on the other hand claimed that NIA investigation is yet another conspiracy orchestrated by the BJP
Lieutenant Governor of Delhi V.K. Saxena called for a National Investigation Agency (NIA) enquiry against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for receiving funds from ‘Sikhs for Justice’, a banned ‘Khalistani’ terrorist organization.
This matter came into light when World Hindu Federation India (WHFI) alleged that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has been receiving political funds from a ‘Khalistani’ outfit.
Answering those allegations, AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj said, “This is another big conspiracy against Mr Kejriwal at the behest of the BJP.” The BJP is in panic due to the fear of losing all the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi, he said.
This came out a day before Kejriwal’s bail hearing in connection with a money laundering case in the Delhi excise policy case. He was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21st and has been under judicial custody in Tihar Jail.
Sources from Raj Niwas say that AAP received $16 million from Khalistani groups between 2014 and 2022 for perpetrating ‘Pro-Khalistani’ sentiments. Allegations suggest that Mr Kejriwal held a meeting with Khalistani leaders at Gurudwara Richmond Hills, New York, during his 2014 visit. It’s claimed that during these meetings, promises were made to facilitate the release of convicted terrorist Devinder Pal Singh Bhullar in exchange for financial support.
Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva welcomed the recommendation and said, “All through his political career as well as the phase he operated as an NGO head, the country has seen that Arvind Kejriwal has always had a soft corner for separatist causes. His support for people like Yaseen Mallik is well known”. Kejriwal’s silent support to the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) is well known since 2017, when, during the Punjab assembly election campaign, he stayed at the residence of KLF extremist leader Gurwinder Singh, he said.
Mr Bhardwaj said, “By making these trite allegations, it is clear that the BJP is losing all the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi. The people of Delhi will respond to such cheap tactics by defeating the BJP which insulted CM Arvind Kejriwal, who has provided good education, health, free electricity and water”.
In a post on X, the AAP leader said, “LG saab is desperately trying to make headlines during Election season. This is complete misuse of the constitutional office of LG. The PIL demanding a high-level investigation in the same matter was dismissed by the Delhi High Court two years back. The Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Navin Chawla had rejected the plea filed by one Jagdish Sharma, stating that it is “completely frivolous”.
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