December 21, 2024: In a significant development that could have far-reaching political implications, Delhi's Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena has granted approval for the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to prosecute former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a money laundering case tied to the controversial liquor policy scam.

Sources confirmed that the sanction came as part of an investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), which had been filed against Kejriwal earlier, though the trial had yet to commence. The approval is crucial, as the Supreme Court had previously ruled that the Lt Governor's consent was mandatory for prosecuting government officials in such cases. Following this ruling, the ED had requested the Chief Secretary's permission to proceed, which has now been granted.

This development comes just months before the Delhi elections, adding to the mounting political pressure on Kejriwal and his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The timing of the sanction raises questions, especially after the AAP's poor performance in the recent Lok Sabha elections. The upcoming Delhi elections now stand as a significant challenge for Kejriwal, who faces increasing scrutiny ahead of the polls.

In response, the AAP dismissed the sanction as "false and misleading" and demanded that the ED provide a copy of the Lt Governor's sanction order. The party has consistently maintained that the charges against Kejriwal are politically motivated.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has seized the opportunity to double down on its allegations against Kejriwal. Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva welcomed the Lt Governor’s decision, reiterating the party’s stance that Kejriwal had been involved in taking commission in the liquor scam. "We have been saying all along that Arvind Kejriwal took commission in the liquor scam. As the investigation progresses, he will be trapped. He has looted crores of rupees and spoiled Delhi. We welcome this investigation," said Sachdeva.

Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who has been similarly accused in the case, rejected the reports as an attempt to divert attention from other political issues, including the controversy surrounding Home Minister Amit Shah's recent comments on BR Ambedkar.

As the legal and political battle intensifies, Kejriwal’s political future remains uncertain, with the ongoing investigation likely to be a key issue in the run-up to the Delhi elections.