AAP leaders should apologize to the people of Delhi: Sood

The Delhi High Court on Monday granted an interim stay on a lower court order directing departmental action against a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officer involved in the Delhi Excise Policy case. Following this, Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

Sood said that the AAP began its political journey under the guise of fighting corruption, but made no serious efforts to curb it during and after its 49-day government in 2013-14.

Referring to an event held at the India Islamic Center on February 24, 2014, he said that the party’s leadership avoided discussing the issue of corruption.

He said that the new developments in the High Court have opened the way for investigations into alleged corruption cases involving public funds in Delhi, and that the investigating agencies and courts will eventually deliver their results. The minister also said that AAP leaders should apologize to the people of Delhi. Sood said, “AAP’s claim of being ‘staunchly honest’ is being exposed.” The minister also pointed out that the High Court had stayed some of the lower court’s findings.

Sood alleged that crucial evidence in the case had been destroyed. He asked, “If the liquor policy was correct, why were a large number of mobile phones and SIM cards destroyed?” He further stated that it has been revealed that 170 mobile phones and 43 SIM cards were destroyed in connection with the case.

Referring to a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), the minister said that page 99 of the report mentions a potential loss to the government of approximately ₹2,202.68 crore.

Sood further claimed that under the old liquor policy, the government earned approximately ₹329.90 per bottle, while under the new policy, this had dropped to approximately ₹8.32 per bottle. Meanwhile, retailers’ margins increased from ₹33.35 to ₹363.27, which, he said, significantly impacted government revenue.

He said these factors led to the policy’s withdrawal. However, the AAP consistently maintained that there was no corruption involved.

The minister said the High Court’s findings demonstrate that the law will take its course and the investigation will proceed. He also claimed that investigating agencies have questioned hundreds of people and recorded numerous statements in connection with the case.

Sood alleged that the AAP has attempted to politicize the issue and play the “victim card.”