Aam Aadmi Party liquor scam: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) raised questions over claims being made by BJP leaders regarding punishment in the so-called liquor scam, despite lower courts acquitting party leaders.
Delhi AAP President Saurabh Bharadwaj asked how BJP Delhi President Virendra Sachdeva and Delhi Government Minister Kapil Mishra know what the verdict in the excise case will be. He questioned, “Do BJP leaders have some connection with the judiciary?”
He further pointed out that Kapil Mishra has said, “The picture is yet to be seen.” Bharadwaj asked what Mishra meant by this statement, emphasizing that the matter is still pending in the High Court. He implied that BJP leaders are suggesting they can influence the judges to get their desired outcome.
Aam Aadmi Party liquor scam: Press Conference at AAP Headquarters
On Tuesday, AAP held a press conference at its headquarters, strongly criticizing claims made by BJP Delhi President Virendra Sachdeva.
Bharadwaj presented a video of Sachdeva saying that Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and Durgesh Pathak are criminals and that as the judicial proceedings progress, they will certainly be punished.
He pointed out that BJP Minister Kapil Mishra tweeted that “The picture is yet to be seen.” Bharadwaj questioned how they could possibly know what will happen next in the case.
Questions on Judicial Influence
Bharadwaj asked, “How does Kapil Mishra know what is remaining in the picture? Even the High Court judge will not know yet. Only when the judge reads the case will she know.”
He questioned how Virendra Sachdeva could claim with certainty that a punishment will occur. “Are they suggesting that they know in advance what will happen in this case? This case is currently with High Court Judge Swarnkanta Sharma.”
Allegations of Political Interference
Bharadwaj said, “Are they implying that the outcome they want will be enforced by Judge Swarnkanta Sharma?” He reminded the public that Kapil Mishra had previously attempted to incite riots before the Delhi riots of February 2020, which is documented in videos.
He also recalled that on 26 February 2020, Delhi High Court Judge Murlidhar had strongly reprimanded Delhi Police and the central government in a hearing. Judge Murlidhar had directed FIRs against Kapil Mishra and Anurag Thakur for hate speech, setting the next hearing for 27 February.
However, late on 26 February, the central government issued a transfer notification for Judge Murlidhar. Bharadwaj noted, “Ministerial offices are closed by 11 PM, and staff leave for the day, yet the transfer was made to ensure that the case could not be heard the next day.” The bench was later changed to Judge D.N. Patel, who granted four weeks for the case.
Implications of Kapil Mishra’s Statement
Bharadwaj argued that Mishra’s statement “The picture is yet to be seen” raises serious questions. “Does he know in advance what Judge Swarnkanta Sharma will do? What is her connection with the BJP? How can Virendra Sachdeva and Kapil Mishra claim to know the future of this case?”
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