New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal faced another setback as Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on Monday, recommended the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to initiate a probe into allegations against Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) allegedly receiving political funding from banned terrorist organization “Sikhs for Justice.”
The accusations revolve around AAP allegedly receiving a substantial political funding of USD 16 million from the banned terrorist organization “Sikhs for Justice.” These funds were purportedly intended to support Khalistani groups, facilitate the release of Devendra Pal Bhullar, and allegedly endorse Pro-Khalistani sentiments.
“I am directed to forward a complaint dated 01.04.2024 (in original) received from Ashoo Mongia National General Secretary (World Hindu Federation India), alongwith printout of posts on platform ‘X’ (erstwhile Twitter), made by Dr. Munish Kumar Raizada, former worker of Aam Aadmi Party, referred in the enclosed letter and a pen drive as received,” the letter stated.
He further stated that “In his communication, the complainant has referred to the contents of a video (in enclosed pen drive), purportedly featuring Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, (Khalistani terrorist and founder of banned organization Sikhs For Justice), wherein he has alleged that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led by Arvind Kejriwal has received a staggering amount of USD 16 million dollars in funding from Khalistani groups between 2014 and 2022. It has also been alleged that a clandestine meeting scurred in 2014 between Kejriwal and pro-Khalistani Sikhs at Gurudwara Richmond Hills, New York. During the said meeting. Kejriwal purportedly promised to facilitate release of Devender Pal Bhullar, in return for substantial financial backing from Khalistani factions to Aam Aadmi Party.”
The Principal Secretary of Lt Governor said that the complainant has requested for a comprehensive enquiry into the allegations regarding funding of Aam Aadmi Party by Extremist group Justice for Sikhs.
According to the Principal Secretary, the complainant has cited various pieces of evidence, including tweets by Dr. Munish Kumar Raizada, a former AAP worker. Raizada allegedly shared a picture of AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal alongside Sikh leaders at the Richmond Hill Gurudwara in New York back in 2014. The complaint asserts that during this visit, Kejriwal engaged in a closed-door meeting with pro-Khalistani Sikh leaders, a claim reinforced by a letter reportedly written by Kejriwal to Sh. Iqbal Singh, advocating for clemency for Bhullar, a controversial figure associated with the Khalistan movement.
The seriousness of these allegations, particularly those implicating a Chief Minister and suggesting political funding from a banned terrorist organization, has prompted recommendations for a comprehensive investigation. The Principal Secretary has proposed that the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, consider referring the matter to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for a thorough inquiry, including forensic examination of electronic evidence.
This latest controversy comes amidst ongoing legal troubles for Arvind Kejriwal, who was recently arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21 in connection with a separate money laundering probe related to alleged irregularities in the Delhi excise policy for the fiscal year 2021-22.
