Amidst the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the ramifications of his detention extend beyond state borders, particularly casting a shadow over Punjab’s excise policy. Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema staunchly defended the state’s excise policy, highlighting its positive impact on revenue generation and the successful crackdown on the liquor mafia.
Cheema affirmed the readiness of the Punjab government to face any investigation, emphasizing the policy’s efficacy in bolstering state finances. “It is a good policy, and our revenue from excise duties has increased by Rs 4,000 crore in just two years,” Cheema stated confidently. “We have managed to finish off the liquor mafia in the state,” he added, underscoring the policy’s dual benefits of fiscal growth and law enforcement.
Meanwhile, the political arena witnessed a flurry of activity, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) engaging in a war of words over the arrest and its implications. AAP’s chief spokesperson, Malvinder Singh Kang, vehemently rejected BJP’s attempts to exploit the situation for political gain. “The party will not bend before the dictatorship of the BJP,” Kang declared defiantly, signaling AAP’s commitment to its principles amidst mounting pressure.
In parallel, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, accompanied by three ministers – Aman Arora, Dr. Balbir Singh, and Harjot Bains – journeyed to Delhi to participate in protests against Kejriwal’s arrest. The show of solidarity underscored AAP’s unity in the face of adversity and its unwavering support for Kejriwal. On the opposing front, Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar seized upon the opportunity to criticize AAP’s governance and policies, drawing parallels between Delhi and Punjab’s excise frameworks. Jakhar announced BJP’s intention to approach the Election Commission, seeking an Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe into Punjab’s excise policy, mirroring the investigation unfolding in Delhi.
“The same excise policy under which many Delhi ministers have been jailed has been implemented in Punjab by Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann,” Jakhar asserted, suggesting a pattern of governance that warranted scrutiny. He accused AAP of harboring a power-hungry agenda, questioning the trustworthiness of its leadership.
The unfolding events surrounding Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest have ignited debates on political motives, governance ethics, and the interplay between state and central politics. As the dust settles, all eyes remain on the evolving narrative, with Punjab’s excise policy emerging as a focal point of contention and scrutiny.