In New Delhi, Union Minister Smriti Irani castigated Congress MP Rahul Gandhi for his perceived hypocrisy, highlighting his divergent stances between regions. Irani underscored Gandhi’s inconsistency, noting his support for Kejriwal’s family in Delhi juxtaposed with accusations of corruption against the Delhi CM in Telangana.
“I wish to elucidate how Rahul Gandhi approaches identical issues with contrasting narratives,” articulated Union Minister Smriti Irani. She recounted an instance from July 2, 2023, in Telangana where Gandhi accused the Telangana CM of corruption and alleged involvement in a liquor scandal. Irani drew attention to Ajay Maken’s assertion that AAP utilized corrupt funds to thwart Congress in the Goa elections, prompting questions about credibility.
Regarding the recent developments, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal found himself in the custody of the Enforcement Directorate until March 28, following his arrest in connection to the Delhi Excise Policy case. The Rouse Avenue Court remanded Kejriwal to ED custody in light of the money laundering charges linked to the alleged excise policy irregularities.
“We have now unveiled the method by which a public figure, ostensibly committed to integrity, perceives corruption by exploiting bureaucratic apparatuses through the actions of Arvind Kejriwal,” Irani remarked. She posed a pertinent query: “Which portrayal of Rahul Gandhi is authentic? The one espoused in Telangana or the one in Delhi?”
During the lead-up to the Telangana assembly polls, Rahul Gandhi insinuated close ties between the Bharat Rashtra Samithi and the Bharatiya Janata Party, alleging inaction despite awareness of Kavitha’s involvement in the Delhi liquor scandal.
Irani also referenced the Congress’s prior communication with Delhi Police regarding the alleged liquor scandal involving the Aam Aadmi Party. “The Congress’s communication with Delhi Police on June 3, 2022, regarding the liquor scandal raises doubts about consistency. Was it the truth then or the version we witness today?” Irani questioned.
In criticizing Delhi CM over the liquor policy imbroglio, Irani underscored Kejriwal’s alleged misuse of administrative resources to define corruption. Furthermore, she highlighted Kejriwal’s legal team’s acquiescence to revelations regarding the formulation of the now-defunct Delhi liquor policy.
“When presented with evidence in court today, Arvind Kejriwal’s legal team did not contest the involvement of select liquor entities in shaping the liquor policy under Vijay Nair’s stewardship, appointed by Arvind Kejriwal,” noted the Union Minister.