"BJP is using central agencies as a political tool": Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut
New Delhi: Shiv Sena's Rajya Sabha MP, Sanjay Raut, expressed strong criticism of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing them of engaging in political manoeuvres through central agencies.
Raut's remarks come in response to the recent arrest of AAP MP Sanjay Singh in connection with a liquor excise policy case.
Speaking to ANI, Raut stated, "The BJP is using central agencies as a political tool. Let them continue doing so until 2024, and we will keep fighting against it. In places where the BJP is not in power, these raids will continue."
Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra had accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), to which Sanjay Singh belongs, of engaging in "open corruption" and resorting to politics when faced with allegations of wrongdoing.
"AAP MP Sanjay Singh has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a liquor scam case. It is in AAP's nature to engage in corruption openly, and when they are caught, they start playing politics," Patra said during a press conference.
This development marks the second high-profile arrest in the case after the former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister, Manish Sisodia, was also arrested in connection with the same case.
The ED had recently conducted raids at multiple locations, including residences and offices associated with AAP leader Sanjay Singh and his close aides, regarding the now-cancelled liquor excise policy in Delhi.
Reacting to Singh's arrest, AAP MP Sandeep Pathak alleged that the case was an attempt to "illegally break and defeat AAP." He also mentioned that AAP would rise stronger despite these challenges.
Delhi Chief Minister and AAP Supremo, Arvind Kejriwal, condemned Singh's arrest stating, "The arrest of Sanjay Singh is completely illegal. This shows Modi ji's nervousness. They will arrest many more opposition leaders till the elections."
Also, the AAP MP's arrest triggered sharp reactions from the leaders of the INDIA alliance.
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Manoj Jha said, "It is not the ED that has arrested Sanjay Singh, he has been arrested by the unit of BJP that comprises ED-IT-CBI. Dark days have begun. In this era of dictatorship, jo dar gaya wo mar gaya. The dictators themselves are scared. This fear will be retaliated against soon."
The AAP is also set to hold a protest outside the BJP headquarters on Thursday opposing Singh's arrest.
