New Delhi: The United States reaffirmed its stance on Wednesday, emphasizing the importance of “fair, transparent, timely legal processes” following India’s summoning of an American diplomat over comments on the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the liquor policy case.
US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller addressed the matter, stating, “We continue to follow these actions closely, including the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.” He responded to questions regarding India’s summoning of Gloria Berbena, the US Acting Deputy Chief of Mission in New Delhi, after a meeting lasting nearly 40 minutes.
Regarding the Congress party’s frozen bank accounts, Miller acknowledged the situation, saying, “We are also aware of the Congress party’s allegations.” He reiterated the US’s stance, encouraging “fair, transparent and timely legal processes” for each issue.
Kejriwal’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the alleged liquor policy scam has stirred controversy. He is the third Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, following Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, to be taken into custody in this case.
The US State Department’s comments on Tuesday expressing concern over Kejriwal’s arrest prompted India’s objection and warnings against setting “unhealthy precedents.”
India’s Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that “India’s legal processes are based on an independent judiciary committed to objective and timely outcomes,” countering suggestions casting doubt on the system.
This diplomatic row unfolded after Germany’s Foreign Office emphasized Kejriwal’s right to a fair trial, prompting India to summon the German envoy and criticize the remark as “blatant interference in internal matters.”
The excise policy under scrutiny aimed to reform Delhi’s liquor business but was scrapped following allegations of irregularities. The ED alleges that bribe money from the policy funded AAP’s election campaigns and has labeled Kejriwal a “conspirator” in the case.
His arrest, just ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha election, has sparked furious protests from the opposition, setting the stage for a tense political climate in the capital.
