AAP Alleges BJP Link To Electoral Bonds in Excise Policy Case: Challenges ED To Act

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has failed to trace a money trail involving any Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader in the excise policy case. Meanwhile, AAP asserted on Saturday that an accused-turned-approver had indeed funnelled crores of rupees in electoral bonds to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Delhi minister Atishi addressed a press conference, highlighting the ongoing investigations by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and ED over the past two years regarding the so-called excise policy scam in Delhi. She emphasized that despite extensive scrutiny, no proceeds of crime had been recovered from any AAP leader, minister, or worker.

Atishi pointed out that the ED’s arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was solely based on the statement of Sharad P Reddy from Aurobindo Pharma, who was arrested by the ED in November in the same case. Allegedly, Reddy had contributed significant sums to the BJP through electoral bonds, according to Atishi’s claims.

The minister highlighted Reddy’s initial denial of any association with Kejriwal or AAP, only to change his statement after several months in jail. However, she questioned the whereabouts of the money and challenged the ED to pursue BJP National President JP Nadda.

Atishi accused Reddy of providing electoral bonds worth ₹4.5 crore to the BJP, followed by an additional ₹55 crore, with the money trail allegedly leading to the BJP’s account. She issued a challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ED to arrest JP Nadda.

Sarath Chandra Reddy, son of Aurobindo Pharma founder PV Ram Prasad Reddy, was identified by the ED as part of a cartel known as the ‘South Group,’ allegedly involved in paying kickbacks to AAP leaders for securing nine retail zones under the Delhi excise policy. Additionally, BRS leader K Kavitha was implicated as a member of this group. In July 2023, a Delhi court permitted Reddy to become an approver in the excise policy case.

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