On Monday, Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena suggested that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) should investigate Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The allegation is that Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party accepted political funding from a banned group called ‘Sikhs for Justice’, linked to pro-Khalistan terrorism.
Delhi LG Saxena acted upon a complaint stating that Kejriwal’s party received $16 million from this group. The funds were allegedly meant to secure the release of Devinder Pal Singh Bhullar and promote pro-Khalistani views.
Delhi LG Recommends NIA probe Against Arvind Kejriwal
Delhi LG VK Saxena has urged the Ministry of Home Affairs to investigate Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for allegedly receiving political funding from a banned terrorist group called “Sikhs for Justice”. The allegations involve a substantial amount of money, claimed to be millions of dollars, funneled to Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) between 2014 and 2022.
The complaint, made by Ashoo Mongia, National General Secretary of World Hindu Federation India, includes references to a video featuring Pannun, a leader of the banned outfit, and posts by former AAP worker Munish Kumar Raizada. Raizada supported the recommendation and highlighted AAP leader Sanjay Singh’s frequent visits to Canada.
Previously, Pannun accused both Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of reneging on promises to release his associates arrested for their alleged links to Khalistani activities. There are claims of a secretive meeting in 2014 between Kejriwal and pro-Khalistani Sikhs in New York, where financial support was allegedly sought in exchange for favors.
Mongia cited Raizada’s posts on Twitter, which reportedly showed Kejriwal’s interactions with Sikh leaders in New York, both publicly and in closed-door sessions.
Also Read: Terrorist Attack on Convoy in Jammu and Kashmir
Delhi CM Kejriwal Advocates Clemency
The Delhi LG’s letter mentioned Kejriwal asking for Bhullar’s forgiveness from ex-President Pranab Mukherjee.
In a letter from January 27, 2014, the Delhi CM wrote to Iqbal Singh, stating, “Our government is understanding of the situation and will do everything necessary to ensure complete justice. We aim to find solutions quickly.”
Kejriwal’s letter, signed by him, stated, “The Delhi Government has already suggested to the President to release Prof. Bhullar. We will also work on other matters like forming an SIT in a caring and timely manner.”
AAP Response Delhi LG Recommendation
In response to Saxena’s suggestion, AAP Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj accused the BJP of orchestrating a plot against CM Kejriwal. He believes the BJP is worried about losing and is spreading false rumors. Bharadwaj predicts the BJP will lose all seven seats in the upcoming elections. He also criticized the Delhi LG’s actions, saying it’s a misuse of power.
Bharadwaj criticized the Delhi LG further, stating that they are trying to grab attention during election time, which he sees as another misuse of power. He mentioned a past PIL for an investigation, which was dismissed by the High Court as baseless.
LG saab desperately trying to make headlines during Election season. This is complete misuse of constitutional office of LG.
The PIL demanding high level investigation in same matter was dismissed by HC two years back.
The Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi… pic.twitter.com/BsFtmmz3Mt
— Saurabh Bharadwaj (@Saurabh_MLAgk) May 6, 2024AAP’s Suspected Ties with SFJ in 2022
In 2022, Charanjit Singh Channi, the former Chief Minister of Punjab, requested an investigation into the suspected connections between Gurpatwant Pannun, the leader of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), and members of AAP. Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, promised Channi that actions would be taken to maintain the country’s unity, stating that he would oversee the issue personally.
Sikhs For Justice, an organization outlawed by the Indian government through the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for its activities against India. Established in 2007, this New York-based group promotes the creation of an independent Sikh state known as Khalistan, separate from India.
SFJ presents itself as a human rights advocacy group and operates offices in Washington, London, and Toronto. Gurpatwant Pannun serves as the self-declared general counsel of the banned SFJ.
Also Read: Arvind Kejriwal Given Insulin in Tihar Jail After Rising Sugar Levels
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q.1. Why is Delhi LG recommending an NIA probe against Arvind Kejriwal?
Ans. Delhi LG VK Saxena suggested an NIA investigation into Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal due to allegations that his Aam Aadmi Party received political funding from the banned group ‘Sikhs for Justice’, linked to pro-Khalistan terrorism.
Q.2. What are the allegations regarding AAP’s funding?
Ans. Allegations suggest that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) received substantial funding, reportedly around $16 million, from ‘Sikhs for Justice’ between 2014 and 2022. This funding is said to have been intended for purposes such as securing the release of Devinder Pal Singh Bhullar and promoting pro-Khalistani views.
Q.3. Who made the complaint against Kejriwal and what evidence was provided?
Ans. Ashoo Mongia, the National General Secretary of World Hindu Federation India, lodged the complaint, supported by a video featuring a leader of the banned group and posts by a former AAP worker. The evidence includes references to meetings and interactions allegedly involving Kejriwal and pro-Khalistani figures.
Q.4. How is AAP responding to the Delhi LG’s recommendation?
Ans. AAP Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj accused the BJP of orchestrating a plot against Kejriwal and dismissed the allegations as false. He criticized the Delhi LG’s actions as a misuse of power, claiming they are attempting to gain attention during election season.
Q.5. What is the background of Sikhs For Justice and its alleged ties to AAP?
Ans. Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) is an organization banned by the Indian government under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for its anti-India activities. SFJ advocates for an independent Sikh state called Khalistan and allegedly has ties to AAP, prompting investigations into their connections.
