US Encourages Transparent Legal Process in Kejriwal Corruption Case
In a bold move, the US has emphasized the importance of a “transparent” legal process in the corruption case against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller made the statement on Wednesday, affirming that the US is closely monitoring actions taken against opposition parties in India.
This declaration from Miller came shortly after India summoned a US diplomat for a similar comment made the day before.
Kejriwal, who was recently arrested, vehemently denies any involvement in corrupt activities.
Prior to his arrest, India’s main opposition party, Congress, lamented the freezing of their bank accounts by the tax department just ahead of the general elections.
Both Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress have accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government of engaging in political vendetta.
However, the BJP refutes these claims, asserting that investigative agencies are operating independently and without bias.
Miller further informed reporters on Wednesday about the Congress party’s concerns regarding the impediment to their election campaign due to the frozen bank accounts.
“We advocate for fair, transparent, and timely legal processes in both cases. Such principles should be embraced by all,” he added.
Earlier, India’s foreign ministry had summoned US acting deputy chief of mission, Gloria Berbena, to express discontent over similar remarks made by Miller.
India also released a statement emphasizing the importance of respecting sovereignty and internal affairs in diplomatic relations.
Highlighting the independence and integrity of India’s legal system, the statement condemned any insinuations casting doubt on its credibility.
Notably, the US is the second country to comment on Kejriwal’s arrest, following a statement from the German foreign ministry last week expressing hopes for a fair trial in India’s democratic framework.
Indian opposition leaders have accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP of leveraging investigative bodies to oppress dissent and weaken rival parties before the elections.
In a recent case, the Enforcement Directorate arrested opposition leader Hemant Soren on corruption charges just hours after he resigned as the chief minister of Jharkhand state.
Opposition voices have decried these actions as attempts by the BJP to stifle dissent and consolidate power. The BJP, however, denies these allegations.
Amnesty International has also raised concerns, stating that the crackdown on opposition and peaceful dissent in India has escalated to a critical juncture.
Meanwhile, Kejriwal is the third AAP leader to face arrest in connection to an alleged corruption case linked to a now-repealed liquor policy in Delhi.
The BJP alleges that the policy, which ended the government’s monopoly on alcohol sales, unfairly benefited private retailers.
The ED has accused AAP leaders of receiving kickbacks for use in state elections, a charge vehemently denied by the party.
Kejriwal’s custody with the ED is set to conclude on Thursday, leaving uncertainty about his potential release or transfer to judicial custody. — BBC
