India’s financial crime agency has arrested Arvind Kejriwal, the chief minister of Delhi, over allegations of corruption related to the city’s liquor policy. Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has denied the charges, calling them a politically motivated smear campaign. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have denied any interference in the case.
Several key leaders who oppose Modi have also faced investigations for corruption or financial crimes. Members of Parliament, Sonia and Rahul Gandhi from the Congress party, were questioned by the financial crime agency in 2022 for alleged money laundering. The Gandhi family has denied any wrongdoing.
Manish Sisodia, the deputy leader of AAP and a key figure in Delhi’s government, was arrested last year in connection with the same corruption case as Kejriwal. He has been held in prison since his arrest. Hemant Soren, former chief minister of Jharkhand, was arrested in January on charges of money laundering and illegal land acquisition.
K. Kavitha, a legislator in Telangana and daughter of a former chief minister, is also under investigation for money laundering in connection with the Delhi liquor policy case. She was arrested earlier this month and denies the allegations. Bhupesh Baghel, former chief minister of Chhattisgarh, has been charged in a corruption case by the financial crime agency.
Abhishek Banerjee, a lawmaker from West Bengal, has been summoned by the agency in several cases, including one related to government school recruitment. He has denied the allegations. Lalu Prasad Yadav, former chief minister of Bihar, is facing accusations of seeking land in exchange for railway jobs, which he has denied.
These investigations and arrests of opposition leaders come amid a backdrop of political turmoil in India. The government led by Modi has faced criticism for its handling of corruption cases and its use of investigative agencies for political gain. Critics argue that these cases are designed to weaken opposition parties and consolidate power.
The ongoing corruption scandals have further heightened tensions between the ruling party and the opposition, deepening the divide in Indian politics. Despite denials of wrongdoing from the accused leaders, the consequences of these investigations could have far-reaching implications for the political landscape in India.
As the investigations continue and more leaders face scrutiny, the future of Indian politics remains uncertain. The outcome of these cases could shape the country’s political landscape for years to come, with implications for democracy, transparency, and accountability in governmental institutions.
