New Delhi:

Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray is in Delhi to meet the top brass of the INDIA opposition bloc, which continues to lurch from one existential crisis to another – the latest being the BJP thumping the AAP in Delhi, and Sharad Pawar felicitating Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

On NCP boss Sharad Pawar’s actions, the junior Thackeray refused to be drawn, telling reporters, “I will not talk about (that)… it is our (the Sena faction now led by Uddhav Thackeray) to never honour a person like this (Mr Shinde) … (who) not only split our party but also Maharashtra’s spine…”

On the INDIA bloc picture, though, Mr Thackeray said he met the Congress’ Rahul Gandhi last night and will meet AAP boss Arvind Kejriwal later today. He then fired a warning about the “future of India” and tried to rally the grouping, accusing the BJP of plotting to “finish off… democracy”.

Mr Thackeray also raised red flags about election fraud and hacking of EVMs, or electronic voting machines, which the opposition claims – after every defeat – was orchestrated by the BJP.

“I met Rahul Gandhiji last night (and) today I will meet Arvind Kejriwalji. The future of our country is in doubt… today, we don’t know where our vote is going amid voter fraud and EVM fraud…”

“Are elections being held in a free-and-fair manner? We think we are living in a democracy… but it is no longer a democracy. What happened with us and Kejriwalji and the Congress… this could happen with Nitish (Kumar)ji, and Chandrababu Naiduji in the future…” he thundered.

The reference to Nitish Kumar was not lost; the Bihar Chief Minister helped found the INDIA bloc in 2023 before a dramatic jump (back) to the BJP’s camp 12 months later. He now faces a state election later this year, and there is speculation the INDIA bloc is trying to re-flip the JDU boss.

ARCHIVES | INDIA Bloc In Pieces? Amid Turmoil, Architect Nitish Kumar Exits

Mr Thackeray’s reference to Nitish – that the BJP may stack the odds to ensure its ‘ally’ loses the majority, or at least the upper hand, in their relationship, is being seen by many in this light.

Formed in June 2023 to unite opposition parties against the BJP, the INDIA bloc has flattered to impress, with only a few scattered Assembly election wins to show for its efforts.

The bloc has come under criticism – internal and external – with the bulk reserved for the Congress and its apparent inability to work with smaller parties on issues like seat-sharing before elections.

The defeat in Haryana and the BJP’s Delhi triumph have both been held up as examples of the Congress not ‘playing nice’. The Congress, however, hit back firmly; after the AAP’s Delhi defeat, party spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said making other parties win is not the Congress’ responsibility.

However, questions over the INDIA bloc’s future are not new; the group’s functioning was also discussed after the 2023 Madhya Pradesh election that the BJP won comfortably.

Then too there was criticism of the Congress, at which time two key group members – Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool and Akhilesh Yadav’s Samajwadi Party – delivered rebukes. Since then there has also been talk of a leadership change, with Ms Banerjee the apparent consensus pick.

Mr Thackeray, though, firmly ruled out any talk of the bloc crumbling or a leadership shuffle, stating, “There are many seniors who will prepare a roadmap. The INDIA bloc has joint leadership… there is no one leader. This is not a fight of egos but for the future of the country.”

The bloc’s next big challenge (assuming it stays together till then) is the Bihar election.

With input from agencies

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New Delhi:

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal today alleged Union Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah is allowing “gundaraaj (hooliganism)” to harass AAP workers ahead of voting in the Delhi assembly election scheduled on Wednesday.

Mr Kejriwal told reporters people allegedly backed by the BJP assaulted AAP workers, and the Delhi Police did not do anything to stop it.

A video has surfaced showing members of the Valmiki Samaj and the Dalit Mahapanchayat protesting against Mr Kejriwal, who was Delhi chief minister before Atishi took over. In the video, the protesters are seen vandalising an AAP campaign tempo.

The protesters are seen tearing apart posters of the yellow-and-blue broomstick election symbol of the AAP, which were pasted on the van.

The AAP alleged the Delhi Police did not act against the attackers.

The New Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police, however, in a post on X said they have not received any complaint about the alleged attack.

“Thank you for bringing this into our notice,” the DCP New Delhi said in the post, replying to Mr Kejriwal’s post which had a video of the vandalism. “No PCR [police control room] call or complaint received in police station. It is requested that a formal complaint may be lodged in the police station and we assure strict legal action,” the police officer said.

On members of the Maharashtra Valmiki Samaj and Dalit Mapanchayat attacking AAP’s election campaign van, DCP New Delhi tweets “No PCR call or complaint received in police station. It is requested that a formal complaint may be lodged in the Police station and we assure strict… https://t.co/yw0JMtpxkR pic.twitter.com/SdCeiI45CF

— ANI (@ANI) February 2, 2025

Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva and MP Manoj Tiwari said the AAP government thrives on “lies, confusion, and negative politics”.

“They have no concern for the people of Delhi, which is why the entire city is now united in one voice – we want a BJP government,” Mr Sachdeva said at the launch of the BJP’s campaign song, ‘Dilwalon Ki Dilli Ko BJP Sarkar Chahiye’, sung by former MP Dinesh Lal Yadav ‘Nirahua’.

Earlier, BJP national spokesperson and MP Sambit Patra said the AAP has indulged in corruption in all departments. “The voters of Delhi are going to apply black ink on the face of scamsters,” he said, alluding to the Delhi liquor policy case in which Mr Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia were jailed for several months.

Referring to the vandalism, AAP spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar said the BJP is “heading towards a historic defeat” and is trying to boost party workers’ morale.

“BJP had earlier got stones thrown at Arvind Kejriwal on January 18… The morale of BJP goons has increased so much that today they are openly attacking the Aam Aadmi Party’s campaign van. There was an LED installed on it, which they broke… The eyes of the Election Commission in Delhi are closed, they are not able to see any of the misdeeds of the BJP… Such hooliganism will not work in Delhi. The BJP should be called out for its misdeeds,” Ms Kakkar told reporters today.

#WATCH | On members of the Maharashtra Valmiki Samaj and Dalit Mapanchayat attacking AAP’s election campaign van, AAP National Spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar says “…BJP is heading towards a historic defeat. BJP had earlier got stones pelted on Arvind Kejriwal on 18th… https://t.co/yw0JMtpxkR pic.twitter.com/FYKbR5BCZg

— ANI (@ANI) February 2, 2025

Mr Kejriwal also posted a video showing a BJP leader asking residents at a narrow street in Delhi’s Janakpuri to remove AAP flags and keep only BJP ones. Ashish Sood, the local BJP candidate, was seen stepping on the AAP’s flags which had fallen on the road.

The AAP and BJP’s rivalry is not new. When Mr Kejriwal was chief minister, the AAP and the BJP fought bitterly. Mr Kejriwal has for long alleged the Centre has been creating trouble in Delhi, a Union Territory, using the Delhi Police which comes under the Ministry of Home Affairs and the office of the Lieutenant Governor.

The Congress, which was in power for 15 consecutive years in Delhi, has suffered setbacks in the last two assembly elections and has failed to win any seat.

In contrast, the AAP dominated the 2020 assembly election by winning 62 out of the 70 seats while the BJP got only eight seats.

Votes will be counted on February 8.

New Delhi:

As campaigning for the February 5 election in Delhi enters its last leg, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today pointed to Budget 2025 and played up the proposals for Bihar and the income tax relief to the middle class.

Addressing a rally in south Delhi’s RK Puram, the Prime Minister said this Budget was the people’s Budget and represents the hopes and aspirations of the middle class. “The country is growing economically. In earlier times, corruption would have eaten up the people and your hard-earned money would have been taken away. BJP’s honest governance has worked for the welfare of every section – be it the poor, the middle class, people in rural areas, or urban voters.”

“The entire middle class is saying this budget is a middle-class-friendly Budget. Every family is happy and hopeful. During Nehru’s time, if you were earning Rs 12 lakh, you would have to pay 1/4th of your salary as tax. If this were Indira Gandhi’s time, you would have to pay Rs 10 lakh tax on Rs 12 lakh income. But under the BJP government, people will have to pay zero tax,” he said.

The Prime Minister said many residents of RK Puram have government jobs. “You have got not just tax relief but 8th Pay Commission is also being introduced, pension schemes consolidated, and budget benefits extended to senior citizens and the retired government officials too,” he said, adding that young couples, too, will save a lot on taxes.

The Prime Minister then underlined the Budget offerings to Bihar to reach out to the Purvanchali community in Delhi, which plays a key role in the election. Purvanchal spans eastern Uttar Pradesh and western Bihar and many migrants from the region have settled in the national capital.

“The Purvanchali community made me an MP and the PM. The Purvanchali community made me who I am and they have been taken care of in the Budget. They were neglected in Congress’ time, people from Bihar were not respected. But we have respected them,” the Prime Minister said, pointing to the Budget announcements for Bihar.

Targeting the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Prime Minister said AAP is spreading lies and fear and driving the Purvanchali community out of Delhi. “They are stopping Chhath puja celebrations. Let them indulge in negative politics, but BJP will continue to extend support to the Purvanchali community,” he said.

The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the BJP would form the government in Delhi. “In a few days, a new spring of development will arrive in Delhi. This time, the BJP government is about to form in Delhi. The ‘AAP-da party’ has wasted 11 years. My biggest request is that we should be given a chance to serve the people of Delhi. I promise to go to any length to remove every difficulty you face.”

Taking a swipe at the AAP over the exit of six MLAs days before the polls, he said, “We are seeing that even before the voting, the broomstick is disintegrating,” he said, referring to the AAP’s poll symbol. “AAP leaders are leaving because they realize how angry the people are.”

False promises, lies and loot is how Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the Arvind Kejriwal-led ruling Aam Aadmi Party or AAP in Delhi, promising to free the national capital from such ills at a poll rally in the city on Friday. 

Delhi goes to polls on February 5. The votes will be counted on February 8. 

“The AAP is spending on advertisements rather than infrastructural developments. They don’t care about the interests of the poor or the middle class,” said PM Modi at Dwarka poll rally, adding, “We have to together free Delhi from “jhooth” (lies) and “loot”.”

The AAP has been in power in the national capital since 2013.

PM Modi showcased the recently inaugurated Yashobhoomi convention centre, terming it a glimpse of the BJP’s vision for a modern Delhi. 

“The BJP wants to make Delhi modern and a glimpse of that can be seen in Dwarka after the Centre constructed the majestic Yashobhoomi here,” he said.

Accusing the AAP of turning Delhi into a “political ATM” to fund its ambitions in other states, PM Modi said, “AAP-da (AAP disaster) has looted Delhi’s money and is using it to expand its politics elsewhere. They are taking money out of Delhiites’ pockets.”

The Prime Minister accused AAP of engaging in constant fights instead of focusing on governance.

“Over the past years, they have only been fighting – with Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and with the Centre. If such people continue to rule Delhi, the city will keep lagging behind,” he warned.

PM Modi assured the people that a BJP government in Delhi would take tough action against corruption. 

“As soon as the BJP forms government here, there will be a stricter crackdown on AAP-da’s corruption,” he said, adding that the incumbent party had been trying to suppress a damning Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report.

“In the first session of the Vidhan Sabha itself, we will table the CAG report which contains details of AAP-da’s scams,” PM Modi promised.

The prime minister reiterated his commitment to the national capital’s development, saying, “I guarantee that the BJP government will not leave any stone unturned in Delhi’s progress.” 

He called for a government that focuses on coordination rather than confrontation. “Delhi does not need a government that thrives on conflict, but one that ensures solutions to all problems,” PM Modi stressed.

.

New Delhi:

The Supreme Court has granted Tahir Hussain, an accused in the 2020 Delhi riots case and the AIMIM’s candidate in Delhi’s Mustafabad constituency, a six-day in custody parole to campaign for the upcoming election.

This means he can canvass for the polls from sunrise to sunset from January 29 to February 3. He will be released in the morning and brought back to Tihar jail in the evening. Tahir Hussain will have to pay a sum of Rs 2 lakh per day in advance for security arrangements when he is out on parole.  

A former AAP councillor, Tahir Hussain is among the accused in a case related to the murder of Intelligence Bureau official Ankit Sharma during the riots in Northeast Delhi. He also faces charges of rioting and public mischief and is also an accused in the primary riots conspiracy case. He was expelled from AAP after the riots and he joined AIMIM last year.

The court has said Tahir Hussain cannot visit his home in Karawal Nagar and is also barred from making statements related to the case. He can, however, visit the AIMIM party office. The bench of Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Sandeep Mehta also said the relief to Tahir Hussain cannot be cited as a precedent.

Earlier, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju had opposed the parole request, arguing that it would set a wrong precedent and every prisoner would file a nomination to contest polls to walk out of jail.

A two-judge bench last week delivered a split verdict on Tahir Hussain’s parole application. This led to the case moving to the three-judge bench.

In the Mustafabad constituency in Northeast Delhi, Tahir Hussain is up against AAP’s Adeel Ahmed Khan, BJP’s Mohan Singh Bisht and Congress’s Ali Mahndi. The seat was won by AAP’s Haji Yunus last time.

New Delhi:

AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal today said the Delhi Assembly polls were not just a contest for the national capital but the entire country. The election pits two contrasting ideologies — one focused on welfare of the general public and the other on benefiting a select group of wealthy individuals — against each other, he said.

“This election is about deciding how taxpayers’ money should be spent. One ideology, represented by the BJP, uses public funds to waive loans worth thousands of crores for its close associates. The other, our AAP model, focuses on providing free electricity, education, health care and transport to benefit the common man,” Mr Kejriwal said at a press conference.

Criticising the BJP-led Centre, the former Delhi chief minister alleged that it had waived debts amounting to Rs 10 lakh crore of 400-500 industrialists during the past five years.

“The BJP model gives people’s money to its friends as loans and then writes off those loans in two to three years. In contrast, the AAP model provides direct benefits to the public, including welfare schemes worth nearly Rs 25,000 per month for each household in Delhi,” he said.

Mr Kejriwal also accused the BJP of planning to end all welfare schemes initiated by AAP if it gains power in Delhi.

“The BJP has already clarified it will stop free electricity, free bus rides (for women), and other benefits provided by the Delhi government. I ask the people, will they be able to bear this cost if the BJP is elected?” he said.

Mr Kejriwal also lashed out at the BJP for labelling welfare measures as “freebies”, alleging that the BJP was trying to create guilt among the middle class while offering massive concessions to big businesses.

“When the BJP waives loans worth thousands of crores for its friends, is that not a freebie?” he asked.

Elections to the 70-member Delhi Assembly will be held on February 5 and the votes counted on February 8.

AAP is seeking a third consecutive term in office while the BJP is attempting to regain power in the national capital for the first time since 1998.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

Hours after the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) alleged that BJP workers were accompanying poll officials to the homes of the elderly during the ‘vote-from-home’ exercise, the Chief Electoral Officer has responded that candidates of all parties or their representatives are allowed to join election officials on these home visits.

The ruling AAP has shared a video of an elderly woman talking about her ‘vote from home’ experience. In the video, the authenticity of which NDTV cannot verify, the woman is heard saying that five people, including BJP members, were with the poll officials who visited her home.

Sharing the video on X, AAP alleged that the BJP, along with the Election Commission, was snatching the voting rights of the people of Delhi. “Today, BJP workers accompanied poll officials during the ‘vote-from-home’ exercise for the elderly. The Election Commission is now openly with the BJP. This is very dangerous for the Indian democracy,” the party said in its post on X.

The office of Chief Electoral Officer R Alice Vaz responded to the serious charge with a detailed post on the ‘vote-from-home facility. The poll officer said this exercise is aimed at helping elderly people above 85 and persons with disabilities cast their votes at their homes. 

Your vote, your power, at your doorstep !

Elderly voters in Delhi delightfully showcasing their inked finger after casting their vote through #HomeVoting facility. #DelhiDecides#ECI #DilliDilseVoteKaregi #Elections2025 #AssemblyElections pic.twitter.com/2RzZWkpVtS

— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) January 24, 2025

“And for Delhi we have received 6447 applications for Senior citizens and 1058 applications for PwD electors and till today almost 1271 Senior citizens and 120 PwD voters have exercised their voting right. Once the application is approved, a polling team, including election officials and security personnel, will visit the voter’s residence prior to the official polling date i.e. 5 Feb 2025. The entire process and route plan would be disclosed with all the Contesting Candidates of the Assembly Constituency and the candidates themselves or their authorised representatives are permitted to accompany the polling team,” the CEO said.

The poll body said the ‘vote-from-home’ exercise uses the ballot voting method. “The team will provide the voter with a ballot paper and ensure the voting process is conducted confidentially and transparently as per the prescribed guidelines pr ECI in this reference. The entire process will be videographed to maintain transparency.”

“To clarify again, Voters who opt for this Home Voting facility will not be permitted to vote at polling stations on election day also this Home voting option is voluntary. To submit, it is to highlight that this initiative marks a significant step towards inclusive voting, ensuring that senior citizens and persons with disabilities can participate in the electoral process with greater ease,” the Delhi CEO’s office said.

“Besides all the National and local newspapers have covered the Home voting extensively. Again we are committed to follow all the guidelines of ECI to conduct a free and fair election. Further, in case of any issue, the voter is requested to visit the local RO/ DEO office or call our centralized helpline no 1950,” it added.

New Delhi:

Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party candidate Atishi has raised more than Rs 40 lakh through crowdfunding for her election campaign.

Delhi Chief Minister launched a crowdfunding campaign on January 12 to support her assembly election campaign, setting a target of Rs 40 lakh.

On completion of the target on Sunday, Atishi informed that over 740 people contributed in her campaign, following which she is closing the campaign.

“In just one week, over 740 of you came together to help me achieve the Rs40 lakh crowdfunding target! This isn’t just financial support–it’s a resounding endorsement of clean, honest, and transformative politics of the Aam Aadmi Party,” Chief Minister Atishi wrote on X.

“With the target now achieved, I am formally closing the #DonateForAtishi campaign. Thank you for believing in this journey. Your trust and generosity inspire me to continue working towards a better Delhi,” she added.

Opposition raised questions over Atishi’s crowdfunding campaign with Congress’ Sandeep Dikshit alleging that AAP is spending much more in the elections than the expenditure limit.

On January 13, Sandeep Dikshit alleged that AAP is spending Rs 500 to 700 on each volunteer. He stated that the party had appointed around 11 to 12 volunteers in each booth.

“Their (AAP) paid volunteers are on the ground with 11-12 of them at each booth. Each volunteer is being paid Rs 500-700. This only amounts to Rs 3-4 crore in every constituency. You are spending 3-4 times above the expenditure limit. So what honesty are you talking about?” the Congress leader questioned.

The Election Commission has restricted a candidate to spend Rs 40 lakh for one assembly seat in the election polls.

BJP leader Nalin Kohli also slammed Atishi alleging that the campaign could be a “cover-up.”

Speaking to ANI, Mr Kohli said, “Anyone is entitled to crowdfund and say they are the most honest people, but the AAP which came under the great banner of India Against Corruption, spoke against corruption, is itself facing serious corruption charges in the liquor scam and excise scam in Delhi. Private parties seem to have benefited and are currently being investigated. Amidst all of this if you suddenly say you have no money and you need crowdfunding, obviously people are going to wonder if it’s just a cover-up.”

Atishi is contesting against BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri and Congress’ Alka Lamba from the Kalkaji Assembly constituency.

The Delhi assembly polls will be held in a single phase on February 5 and the counting of votes will take place on February 8.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

A stone was thrown at Arvind Kejriwal’s car, which his party has blamed on the BJP, as the AAP leader was campaigning across the city for the February 5 Delhi polls, sparking the latest flashpoint between the ruling party and the BJP.

BJP’s Parvesh Verma, the challenger against Mr Kejriwal in the New Delhi constituency, alleged that the former Delhi Chief Minister’s car hit two BJP workers.

“Fearing defeat, BJP panicked, got its goons to attack Arvind Kejriwal,” the AAP, which has been ruling Delhi since 2013, posted on X within minutes of the attack on its leader. 

The AAP further alleged that BJP’s Parvesh Verma, son of former Delhi Chief Minister Sahib Singh Verma, got his supporters to attack the AAP leaderformer to stop him from campaigning, adding that the people of Delhi will give a befitting reply.  

“The goons of BJP candidate Parvesh Verma targeted Arvind Kejriwal with stones so that he could not campaign. Listen BJP, Arvind Kejriwal is not going to back down because of your cowardly attack on him. The people of Delhi will give you a befitting reply,” the AAP posted on X. 

Manish Sisodia, Mr Kejriwal’s party colleague, was quick to condemn the BJP over the attack.

“If you don’t have the courage to fight against the work of Arvind Kejriwal, then you got your goons to attack him. There cannot be any more cheap and low level politics than what BJP is doing. BJP should understand that the public will now give you a befitting reply for this brick,” Mr Sisodia said.

A black SUV, shows a video, is surrounded by security men on either side as a few protesters try and obstruct the car’s way. A big stone comes flying from one end, hits the roof of the car, in which Mr Kejriwal is seated, and falls away, shows the video. 

हार के डर से बौखलाई BJP, अपने गुंडों से करवाया अरविंद केजरीवाल जी पर हमला

BJP प्रत्याशी प्रवेश वर्मा के गुंडों ने चुनाव प्रचार करते वक्त अरविंद केजरीवाल जी पर ईंट-पत्थर से हमला कर उन्हें चोट पहुंचाने की कोशिश की ताकि वो प्रचार ना कर सकें।

बीजेपी वालों, तुम्हारे इस कायराने… pic.twitter.com/ltFAIqt12F

— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) January 18, 2025

Parvesh Verma, in his defence, has blamed Mr Kejriwal of high-handedness, alleging that the AAP leader’s car hit BJP workers.

“The car of Arvind Kejriwal hit a BJP worker. The leg of the worker is broken and I am going to the Lady Hardinge Medical College to inquire about his health…This is very shameful…,” said Mr Verma. 

#WATCH Delhi: On AAP alleging attack on the convoy of Arvind Kejriwal, BJP candidate from New Delhi assembly seat, Parvesh Verma says, “The car of Arvind Kejriwal has gone ahead by crushing the worker of the BJP. The leg of the worker (BJP) has broken and I am going to the Lady… pic.twitter.com/63CAwqOVPK

— ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2025

“Local youth asked about jobs and Arvind Kejriwal hit them with his car,” claimed Mr Verma, adding that this is “clearly an attempt to murder” and the BJP will be filing charges against Mr Kejriwal.

स्थानीय युवाओं ने नौकरी देने का स्वाल पूछा और केजरीवाल ने मार दी अपनी गाड़ी से टक्कर । pic.twitter.com/3VsnLg8wuI

— Parvesh Sahib Singh (@p_sahibsingh) January 18, 2025

On Wednesday, amid intelligence reports that a pro-Khalistan group is plotting an attack against Arvind Kejriwal, the three-time chief minister said that “God will save him” and he is destined to live as long as his “lifeline” allows.

Mr Kejriwal, a Z-plus protectee, has a comprehensive protection detail comprising 63 personnel, including a pilot, escort teams, close protection staff and search-and-frisk units. Additionally, 15 uniformed personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) are deployed for his protection.

In November last, a man threw liquid on Arvind Kejriwal, who was on a padyatra in the city. At the time, the AAP had alleged that the attacker was linked to the BJP.

New Delhi:

In fresh trouble for Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal ahead of Delhi election, the Union Home Ministry has given the go-ahead to the Enforcement Directorate to prosecute the former Chief Minister in a money laundering case linked to the now-scrapped liquor policy. The Home Ministry, sources have said, has also okayed the agency’s prosecution push in the case against senior AAP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia.

This comes months after a Supreme Court ruling in November which said the Enforcement Directorate would need prior sanction like the Central Bureau of Investigation to prosecute public servants. While the ED has said Mr Kejriwal was the mastermind of alleged irregularities in the Delhi liquor policy case, the framing of charges was pending in a Delhi court since it did not have the clearance. The fresh development has now removed that obstacle.

Weeks after the top court ruling, Mr Kejriwal had approached the Delhi High Court to challenge the trial court’s decision to take note of the chargesheet against him. He had said the Enforcement Directorate did not have the sanction to prosecute him.

Mr Kejriwal and Mr Sisodia were arrested in money laundering cases linked to the Delhi liquor policy and are currently out on bail. Both leaders have trashed the charges against them and have accused the BJP of using probe agencies to harass political rivals.

The two leaders are now campaigning for the February 5 election in the national capital. Mr Kejriwal filed his nomination today to contest the election from the New Delhi constituency. Politically, the fresh development is likely to sharpen the BJP’s attacks on the ruling AAP in the run-up to the election.