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GST Council Meeting: Delhi Minister Atishi to Oppose Tax on Online Payments

September 8, 2024, 9:53 pm

Delhi Minister Atishi announced on Sunday that she would oppose a proposal by the central government to impose an 18% tax on online payments below Rs 2,000 made through payment gateways at the upcoming GST Council meeting scheduled for Monday. Addressing the media, Atishi emphasized that such a tax would negatively impact small businesses and startups.

“Currently, online payments made through payment gateways are not taxed. Imposing such a tax would hurt small businesses and startups. We will oppose this proposal tomorrow at the GST Council meeting,” she stated during the press conference.

In addition to opposing the tax on online payments, Atishi also voiced her objections to the proposed GST on research grants given to educational institutions. She highlighted that several educational institutions, including Punjab University and IIT Delhi, received show-cause notices from the central government in August 2024 for not paying GST on research grants received from 2017 to 2024.

“No country in the world imposes a tax on research grants. The central government has already reduced the amount of research funding, and now they want to impose GST on research grants raised independently by educational institutions,” Atishi said, adding that the Delhi government would demand GST exemptions on research grants at the meeting.

The 54th meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council will take place on September 9. The Council, chaired by the Union Finance Minister and comprising representatives from all states and union territories, is responsible for making decisions on various aspects of GST, including tax rates and exemptions.

The last GST Council meeting, held on June 22, 2024, focused on addressing tax-related issues and simplifying compliance procedures. Since its implementation on July 1, 2017, the GST regime has streamlined the taxation system, reducing complexities and inefficiencies that existed in the previous indirect tax system. A Finance Ministry study noted that consumers have saved at least 4% of their household monthly expenses under GST, particularly on essential items such as cereals, edible oils, and snacks.

Delhi Minister Atishi Appears in BJP Leader’s Defamation Case

June 29, 2024, 2:16 pm

Delhi Minister Atishi appeared virtually on Saturday in response to a defamation complaint filed by BJP leader Praveen Shankar Kapoor. Metropolitan Magistrate Tanya Bamniyal scheduled the matter for hearing on July 23. Atishi was summoned on May 28, but the court did not issue a summons to Arvind Kejriwal, also named in Kapoor’s complaint.

The court noted that a court summons could not be served as the address was incorrect, though Kapoor’s counsel claimed they had served the summons. Atishi and senior counsel Ramesh Gupta appeared via video conference. The court directed that a copy of the complaint be provided to her counsel and noted the delivery report from Kapoor’s counsel.

The case was postponed for further proceedings on July 23. Before filing the complaint, Kapoor sent a legal notice to Atishi regarding her claims that the BJP approached her through a close contact to join the party. The notice, sent by Advocate Satya Ranjan Swain on behalf of Kapoor, accused Atishi of making false, scandalous, and defamatory statements to harm the BJP’s reputation.

The notice demanded Atishi withdraw her statement and issue a public apology. Atishi had alleged at a press conference that the BJP tried to coerce her into joining their party, threatening arrest by the Enforcement Directorate if she refused. She accused the BJP-led Centre of using probe agencies to intimidate her party and stated her resolve to continue working under Arvind Kejriwal’s leadership despite the threats. She also predicted that more AAP leaders, including Raghav Chadha and Saurabh Bharadwaj, would be arrested before the general elections.

Delhi Water Crisis: Atishi’s Health Declining Due To Fast, Says AAP

June 24, 2024, 5:56 pm

Delhi Minister Atishi’s health has declined significantly on the fourth day of her indefinite hunger strike. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader is protesting for Haryana to release Delhi’s “rightful share of water.” Despite doctors advising hospital admission, Atishi remains steadfast, continuing her fast at Jungpura’s Bhogal.

“My blood pressure and sugar levels are dropping, and my weight has gone down. Ketone levels are very high, which can have harmful effects in the long run. No matter how much my body suffers, I will continue the fast till Haryana releases water,” she stated.
According to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Atishi’s weight and blood pressure are rapidly declining, with doctors from LNJP Hospital labelling the situation as “dangerous.” Before the hunger strike, her weight was 65.8 kg, which has come down to 63.6 kg on just the fourth day of the hunger strike, Times of India reported.

दिल्लीवालों को उनके हक़ का पानी दिलाने के लिए जल मंत्री @AtishiAAP जी का ‘अनिश्चितकालीन अनशन’ चौथे दिन भी है जारी

दिल्ली का सारा पानी पड़ोसी राज्यों से आता है। हरियाणा की BJP सरकार ने दिल्ली के हक़ का 100 MGD अर्थात 46 करोड़ लीटर से ज़्यादा पानी रोक रखा है। यह एक दिन में 28 लाख… pic.twitter.com/GHqBAleXA9

— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) June 24, 2024

‘Centre to impose President’s Rule in Delhi’ says Atishi

April 12, 2024, 1:52 pm

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader of Delhi, Atishi, expressed worries on Friday, claiming that the national government led by the BJP plans to impose President’s Rule in Delhi and citing a number of signs suggesting that this might be the case.

At a press conference, Atishi emphasized the legitimacy of the Arvind Kejriwal-led government’s overwhelming majority and criticized any potential imposition of President’s Rule as illegal, unconstitutional, and contrary to the people’s mandate.

She cited instances such as the absence of senior IAS officers’ appointments despite vacancies, the LG’s (VK Saxena) frequent letters to the MHA regarding the Delhi government, and the dismissal of CM Arvind Kejriwal’s personal secretary in a decades-old case as signs of a concerted effort to destabilize the AAP government.

However, Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva dismissed Atishi’s claims as unfounded, questioning the AAP’s apprehensions considering its substantial majority in the assembly.

Atishi further alleged that Kejriwal’s recent arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) lacked evidence and was part of a larger conspiracy to overthrow the AAP government and enforce President’s Rule. AAP denounced the charges against Kejriwal and viewed the arrest as a political ploy to suppress his growing influence as a strong opposition figure.

Highlighting disruptions caused by officials abstaining from AAP-led meetings and the sacking of the CM’s private secretary, Atishi suggested a coordinated attempt to thwart the AAP government and impose President’s Rule, aimed at obstructing the implementation of the government’s welfare schemes.

Referring to past instances like the imposition of President’s Rule in Uttarakhand, Atishi underscored the need for legal recourse, indicating a potential move by AAP to seek court intervention to enable Kejriwal’s functioning from jail.

No Transactions Established, Yet AAP Leaders Held, AAP leader Atishi Slams ED

April 6, 2024, 1:05 pm

Aam Admi Party (AAP) leader Atishi criticised the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday and said that no transactions have been established by the central agency but it still held its party leaders.

She accused the BJP of filing fake cases against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal through the use of central agencies like ED, the Central Bureau of Investigation, and the Income Tax and Election Commission.

Delhi BJP president Virendraa Sachdeva hit back at her allegations and stated that many layers are coming out in the alleged liquor scam.

“ED has been investigating the money trail in this so-called liquor scam. ED is still investigating the money trail linked to any leader of AAP, but they didn’t get a single penny of proceeds from crime from any AAP leader.” the Delhi education minister in today’s press conference said.

Arvind Kejriwal, was apprehended by the ED in connection with the alleged Delhi excise policy scam case on March 21, has been sent to judicial custody until April 15. He is currently held in Tihar jail.

“The Supreme Court has continuously asked ED, where is the money trail linked to AAP?… But ED has no answer for this. Justice Sanjiv Khanna says the money trail has not been proven, it’s debatable. But many AAP leaders have been arrested under this case even after no money trail,” Atishi said.

The AAP leader remarked that the BJP should not hide behind the central agencies and fight the elections but instead should compete on the basis of their performance.

“BJP files all kinds of false cases against AAP & its leader, Arvind Kejriwal, through agencies under them like the ED, CBI, I-T and Election Commission of India. The case of Goa was also similar when the ECI sent a notice to Arvind Kejriwal on the complaint filed by the BJP. But, yesterday, the Goa Court dismissed the case, citing it as baseless,” she alleged.

“I want to say to the BJP that if they want to face AAP politically, then they shouldn’t try to fight the elections by hiding behind the agencies. If you have the courage, then come forward and fight the elections based on your work,” the AAP leader said.

Virendraa Sachdeva said, “Many layers are being unfolded in the liquor scam. When CBI will interrogate (BRS leader) K Kavitha, I think many things will come out, many more faces will be unmasked…”

The case is connected with the alleged irregularities and money laundering in framing and implementing the Delhi excise policy 2022, which was later scrapped.

EC sends notice to Atishi over her “join BJP or face arrest” charge

April 5, 2024, 3:37 pm

The Election Commission (EC) issued a notice to AAP leader and Delhi Minister Atishi regarding her statement that the BJP approached her for membership through one of her ‘close’ aides. Atishi has been asked to respond to the notice by noon on April 8.

“Criticism of other political parties, when made, shall be confined to their policies and programme, past record and work. Parties and Candidates shall refrain from criticism of all aspects of private life, not connected with the public activities of the leaders or workers of other parties. Criticism of other parties or their workers based on unverified allegations or distortion shall be avoided,” the notice by the EC read.

“The political parties and leaders shall not make false statements, utterances without factual basis aimed at misleading the voters. Criticism of other parties or their workers on the basis of unverified allegations or on distortions shall be avoided,” it added.

Atishi claimed that she was asked to join the BJP or face arrest. “The BJP, through one of my close aides, approached me to join their party to save my political career. I was told that if I do not join the BJP, I will be arrested by the ED,” Atishi claimed.

Denying that she was approached with an offer to join the party, the BJP demanded that Atishi furnish evidence to support her claim.

The poll panel added in its notice that it received a complaint on April 4 from the BJP that Atishi made “misleading and unverified statements” during her press conference on April 2.

However, the BJP dismissed her allegations as ‘baseless.’ BJP MP Manoj Tiwari, who is seeking a fresh term in the Lok Sabha from North East Delhi, spoke on the EC notice, saying, “She came up with baseless allegations. We warned her of action but she did not apologize. We took up this matter with the Election Commission. it has now issued a notice.”

“AAP leaders, especially Atishi, are in the habit of maligning the BJP,” he added.

Atishi Expresses Concern Over Kejriwal’s Health, Claims 4.5 kg Weight Loss Since Arrest

April 3, 2024, 11:37 am

Delhi Minister Atishi expressed concern over Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s health, stating that he has lost 4.5 kg weight since his arrest and suffers from “severe diabetes”. Atishi criticized the BJP for allegedly conspiring against Kejriwal and putting his health at risk.

“Arvind Kejriwal suffers from severe diabetes. Despite health problems, he used to work 24 hours a day to serve the country. Since his arrest, Arvind Kejriwal has lost 4.5 kg of weight. This is very worrying,” Atishi said in a post on ‘X’.

अरविंद केजरीवाल एक severe diabetic हैं। स्वास्थ की समस्याओं के बावजूद, वे देश की सेवा में 24 घण्टे लगे रहते थे।

गिरफ़्तारी के बाद से अब तक, अरविंद केजरीवाल का वज़न 4.5 किलो घट गया है। यह बहुत चिंताजनक है। आज भाजपा उन्हें जेल में डाल कर उनके स्वास्थ को ख़तरे में डाल रही है।

अगर…

— Atishi (@AtishiAAP) April 3, 2024

“Today, the BJP is putting his health at risk by jailing him. If something happens to Arvind Kejriwal, forget about the entire country, even God will not forgive them,” she added.

According to sources from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Chief Minister’s weight is decreasing rapidly in jail. Party sources said that since his arrest, Kejriwal has lost four and a half kilogrammes of weight and his doctors have expressed concern over his rapidly decreasing weight.

Meanwhile, Kejriwal, who has been remanded to judicial custody in the liquor policy case, spoke to his wife, Sunita Kejriwal, through video conference on Tuesday at around 1:30 pm.

Kejriwal started Wednesday morning by sweeping his prison cell with a broom at Delhi’s Tihar Jail, sources said adding that all under-trial prisoners at Tihar Jail have to clean their cells themselves.

On April 1, a Delhi court remanded the Delhi Chief Minister to 15-day judicial custody in the excise policy case and sent him to Tihar Jail till April 15.

The court has permitted him to have home-cooked meals and carry with him the prescribed medications for his diabetes.

According to the sources, the Delhi Chief Minister lodged in Jail Number 2 of the high security Tihar Jail was given an isolation room and was provided with a table and a chair to keep three books, as per the court’s order.

“Kejriwal slept on his own bed, which was different from the regular one provided by the jail authority. Since the area was small, he could have faced difficulty but didn’t complain about it,” the sources in the Tihar jail said on Tuesday.

They further said that officials saw him keeping his devices like a sugar sensor and glucometer, isabgol, glucose, and toffees on his table. The court had directed jail authorities to allow Kejriwal to carry these items to be used in case of sudden dip in his sugar levels.

Kejriwal was taken to jail on Monday afternoon after the conclusion of his Directorate of Enforcement custodial remand.

The ED cast the Delhi Chief Minister as the “kingpin” in the alleged scam, and told the court the AAP leader had given “evasive replies” and concealed information relevant to the investigation.

In the year 2014 too the AAP leader was lodged in Tihar jail after he refused to furnish a bail amount of Rs 10,000 in a defamation case filed against him by BJP leader Nitin Gadkari.

“Delhi CM’s arrest is BJP’s political conspiracy”, says Atishi

March 22, 2024, 10:27 am

Describing the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal as a “political conspiracy” by the BJP, Aam Aadmi Party leader Atishi asserted that it’s unprecedented for a sitting CM to be apprehended by the Central government. At a press conference on Friday, she stated, “It is the first time that a sitting CM has been arrested by Central government. Even the Jharkhand Chief Minister resigned before his arrest. In the country’s history, it is the first time that after the announcement of the Lok Sabha elections, the national convenor of a national party has been arrested. Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest is the BJP’s political conspiracy.”

Expressing faith in the Supreme Court’s role in safeguarding democracy, Atishi emphasized the importance of maintaining a level playing field. She remarked, “If this is not about damaging a level playing field, then what is it?…We hope that today as well Supreme Court will protect democracy in the country…BJP wants that Arvind Kejriwal should not be able to campaign in Lok Sabha elections…We are in touch with INDIA alliance leaders, they have expressed solidarity with Arvind Kejriwal.”

Meanwhile, Atishi also raised concerns about the safety and security of the Delhi Chief Minister. In a post on X on Friday, she noted, “For the first time in the country, a sitting Chief Minister has been arrested. Arvind Kejriwal has Z+ security cover. Now he is in the custody of the ED of the Central Government. We are concerned about his safety and security.”

The Enforcement Directorate visited Kejriwal’s residence on Thursday to question him regarding the liquor policy case, leading to his arrest amid dramatic circumstances as he failed to secure interim protection from the Delhi High Court. Subsequently, he was taken to the agency’s headquarters.

In response to Kejriwal’s arrest, AAP workers and leaders showed support, while leaders of the INDIA bloc extended solidarity. BJP leaders backed the ED’s actions, emphasizing the importance of truth.

Moreover, the Delhi Chief Minister moved to the Supreme Court regarding his arrest but did not receive a special hearing. Delhi Minister and AAP leader Gopal Rai announced plans for a nationwide protest against what they deemed as the “illegal” arrest of Arvind Kejriwal.

The INDIA bloc parties stood in support of Kejriwal and criticized the BJP for using the ED against the Opposition. Additionally, on March 15, the ED arrested Bharat Rashta Samithi (BRS) leader, the daughter of former Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, in connection with the money laundering investigation related to the now-scrapped excise policy.

Furthermore, two senior AAP leaders, Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, are in judicial custody in the excise policy case. Sisodia, the then Delhi Deputy Chief Minister, was arrested by the CBI on February 26 after several rounds of questioning. On October 5, the ED arrested Sanjay Singh, a Rajya Sabha member.

Rahul Gandhi to Offer Legal Aid to Kejriwal’s Family: Sources

March 22, 2024, 4:59 am

According to party sources, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has extended his support to Arvind Kejriwal’s family and assured them of his and the party’s backing following the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) arrest of the Delhi Chief Minister on Thursday.

The source added that Rahul Gandhi intends to meet either Kejriwal or his family on Friday to provide additional legal aid.

On Thursday, a team from the Enforcement Directorate arrived at Kejriwal’s residence to question him regarding the liquor policy case. Amidst a search operation conducted at his residence, Kejriwal was arrested under dramatic circumstances, as the AAP convener did not secure interim protection from arrest in the liquor policy case from the Delhi High Court. Subsequently, the Enforcement Directorate transported him to the agency’s headquarters. Additionally, a medical team also arrived at the ED office.

AAP workers and leaders rallied in support of Kejriwal after his arrest, while leaders of the INDIA bloc also backed the AAP leader. BJP leaders expressed support for the ED’s actions against the Delhi Chief Minister, emphasizing the importance of “truth had to prevail”.

Delhi Minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader Atishi on Thursday urged the BJP to cease political maneuvers involving the Enforcement Directorate, citing the arrests of two opposition chief ministers and the freezing of a bank account of the Congress party.

Accusing the BJP of seeking electoral victory through undemocratic methods, she called on them to participate in fair political competition rather than employing the ED as a tool for their political agenda.

“Today, the BJP is murdering democracy. They have arrested two opposition chief ministers (One chief minister Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren was put in jail and now another Kejriwal) and frozen a party’s bank account. Is this how the BJP wants to win the election? I want to tell the BJP that if you want to fight, then come forward and fight in the political arena, in the election field. Stop doing politics hiding behind the ED, stop using the ED as your weapon,” she said.

Previously, AAP leader and Delhi Minister Atishi announced that they had petitioned the Supreme Court to invalidate Kejriwal’s arrest and had requested an expedited hearing.

“We have moved the Supreme Court to quash the arrest of Delhi CM @ArvindKejriwal by ED. We have asked for an urgent hearing by the Supreme Court tonight itself,” Atishi said in a post on X.

Kejriwal Arrested in Excise Policy Case; AAP Urges Urgent SC Hearing

March 21, 2024, 11:12 pm

According to sources, Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi and the national convenor of AAP, has been taken into custody by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the excise policy case.

Atishi, a leader of AAP and a Minister in Delhi, stated that they have filed a petition in the Supreme Court to request the cancellation of Kejriwal’s arrest and have requested an immediate hearing.

“We have moved the Supreme Court for quashing the arrest of Delhi CM @ArvindKejriwal by ED. We have asked for an urgent hearing by the Supreme Court tonight itself,” Atishi said in a post on X.

We have moved the Supreme Court for quashing the arrest of Delhi CM @ArvindKejriwal, by ED. We have asked for an urgent hearing by the Supreme Court tonight itself.

— Atishi (@AtishiAAP) March 21, 2024

Previously, she had mentioned that Kejriwal would continue to govern from jail.

“We have received news that ED has arrested Arvind Kejriwal… We have always said that Arvind Kejriwal will run the govt from jail. He will remain the CM of Delhi. We have filed a case in the Supreme Court. Our lawyers are reaching SC. We will demand SC have an urgent hearing tonight,” she said.

According to sources, an Enforcement Directorate team visited Kejriwal’s residence on Thursday for interrogation regarding the liquor policy case. They carried out a search operation at his residence.

The Enforcement Directorate team arrived at his residence for questioning shortly after the Delhi High Court denied interim protection to Kejriwal from coercive measures in relation to the excise policy case.

AAP workers staged a protest outside Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s residence. The Delhi High Court, refusing interim protection from arrest in the liquor policy case, stated that it was not inclined to do so at this time.

During the hearing on a plea by the AAP supremo, urging coercive action against him in connection with the excise policy case, the court issued the directive. AAP leader Raghav Chadha labeled the ED’s action as a conspiracy aimed at arresting the Delhi Chief Minister just before the Lok Sabha elections.

“Just before the Lok Sabha elections, a big conspiracy is going on to arrest Arvind Kejriwal ji. Kejriwal ji has the blessings of crores of people. The wonderful works done in Delhi and Punjab are being discussed all over the world today. You can arrest Kejriwal’s body but cannot put Kejriwal’s ideology behind bars,” Chadha said in a post on X.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann asserted that the BJP’s political team, referring to the ED, cannot imprison Kejriwal’s ideology. “It is only the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) that can stop the BJP. Thoughts and ideas can never be suppressed,” he said.

Delhi Minister Imran Hussain said, “It’s very unfortunate. It’s a conspiracy to stop the AAP and Arvind Kejriwal. People of Delhi love Arvind Kejriwal and they’ll respond to the BJP.”

The ED had issued multiple summons to the AAP supremo in the excise policy case, which he had avoided, citing that the probe agency had taken legal action against him. According to the ED, they aim to record Kejriwal’s statement regarding various aspects of the case, including the formulation of the now revoked excise policy, pre-finalization meetings, and allegations of bribery.

Two senior AAP leaders, Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, are currently in judicial custody in connection with the excise policy case. Sisodia, who served as the Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi at the time, was arrested by the CBI on February 26 after undergoing several rounds of questioning. Later, on October 5, the ED arrested Sanjay Singh, who holds a position as a Rajya Sabha member.

AAP Declares Candidates For Lok Sabha Seats – 4 in Delhi, 1 in Haryana

February 27, 2024, 5:39 pm

The Aam Admi Party (AAP) declared on Tuesday its candidates for four Lok Sabha seats in Delhi and one in Haryana’s Kurukshetra constituency.

AAP has fielded Kuldeep Kumar from the East Delhi constituency, while former Delhi Minister and senior AAP leader Somnath Bharti will contest from the New Delhi Lok Sabha seat.

The party has fielded Sahiram Pahalwan from the South Delhi seat, while Mahabal Mishra will contest from West Delhi.

In Haryana, the AAP has decided to field Sushil Gupta from Kurukshetra.

Addressing a press conference, AAP leader Gopal Rai stated that his party has made a historic decision by fielding a Schedule Caste candidate from the East Delhi constituency, which is a general seat.

“In East Delhi, we have taken a historic decision. Kuldeep Kumar comes from a Scheduled Caste category, and this would be the first time in Delhi that a reserve category candidate will be fighting from a general seat,” Rai said.

Gopal Rai went on to say that the candidates’ names had been announced after taking into account all the calculations which will assure victory in the seats.

“From Bharuch and Bhavnagar, our candidates have been announced. The purpose of fielding these candidates is to ensure victory in whatever seats AAP will fight. So all calculations have been kept in mind,” he said.

Atishi, AAP’s Rajya Sabha MP, also praised the party’s choice to field Kuldeep Kumar from East Delhi.

“It is only the AAP that is trying to end caste-based politics in the country. We don’t look at which seat is for Brahmans, or Gujjars. We have ended such calculations. We just look at those who want to serve the public in an honest manner,” Atishi said.

‘Entire episode was orchestrated to target Delhi CM’ Atishi on ED raids

February 7, 2024, 12:59 pm

One day after the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) conducted raids on members of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Delhi minister Atishi asserted on Wednesday that the officials failed to disclose details of the case that led to the crackdown. Atishi alleged that the entire episode was orchestrated to target Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

During a press briefing, Atishi disclosed that ED officials, in the 16-hour raids at the residence of Delhi Chief Minister’s personal assistant Bibhav Kumar on Tuesday, did not specify the case under which the searches were conducted. She underscored, “This would probably be the first time in the history of ED that a raid was conducted and it lasted for 16 hours, but it was not mentioned anywhere in writing under which case these searches were conducted.”

Presenting a document, she pointed out that, unlike previous raids, ED did not provide details of the case during the recent operation. Atishi added, “The raid went on for 16 hours in the house of Kumar. During that time, ED officers were sitting in Bibhav Ji’s drawing room. Headlines were made across that raids were going on, but neither any search or seizure was made nor any grilling was done.”

The ED conducted searches at around 10 locations, including premises associated with AAP’s Rajya Sabha MP ND Gupta. Atishi argued that these actions demonstrated the true intentions of the ED, asserting, “This proved that the raids that are taking place, and the summonses that are being issued, are being done only for the purpose of attacking Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal.”

She accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of employing ED to target leaders close to Kejriwal. Atishi suggested, “The Bharatiya Janata Party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi know that there is only one leader who can challenge them, that is Kejriwal. So now ED has been openly tasked with putting all the leaders close to Kejriwal in jail.”

The raids were reportedly part of a money laundering probe by the agency. Simultaneously, the agency moved against AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal in court for the fifth time for skipping summons related to the Excise policy case. Earlier in the month, the Delhi crime branch issued a notice to Kejriwal to join a probe into allegations that the BJP attempted to “poach” MLAs to topple his government.

ED takes legal action against AAP leader Atishi, sources.

February 6, 2024, 4:04 pm

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is exploring legal action against Delhi Public Works Department Minister Atishi in response to allegations that the central agency destroyed audio clips while investigating money laundering, according to sources.
The ED officials described the charges of deleting audio clips as absolutely false and malicious.

“AAP leader dated February 6, has raised false, baseless, and malicious allegations against the Directorate of Enforcement. Allegations leveled against ED regarding the deletion of CCTV footage of certain accused persons are completely false and malicious,” officials said.

“All statements of the accused persons were recorded under CCTV surveillance and the same were supplied to the accused persons as sought by them and the Ld Trial Court was also provided the same. The CCTV footage was however recorded in the video-only format as the then available CCTV system did not have the facility to record audio.”

Officials stated that no audio recordings were erased by agency investigators and that the charges were made solely to discredit the evidence against their actions.

“No audio recording has ever been deleted by ED officials. The audio facility was just not available in the earlier CCTV system of ED. ED records hundreds of statements in quasi-judicial proceedings in a professional manner. Baseless allegations are trumped up daily by APP leaders just to discredit the evidence against their misdeeds,” officials said.

According to the central investigation agency, the CCTV system at the ED office was modernized with cutting-edge technology and an enhanced storage facility in October 2023, allowing for audio recording of interrogations. “Since then, interrogation of all the accused persons has been done with audio-video recordings including that of Sanjay Singh.”

According to sources, the Directorate of Enforcement may take strong legal measures in response to Atishi, AAP Minister, making false, unsubstantiated, and malicious claims.
Earlier, addressing at a news conference held specifically to ‘expose’ the ED, Atishi said, “For the last 2 years, AAP leaders have been threatened. In the name of this so-called liquor scam, someone’s house is raided, gets summoned, and is arrested…Even after hundreds of raids in two years, ED has not been able to recover even a single rupee.”

The Delhi minister also questioned the agency’s actions throughout the investigation into the suspected liquor scam. “Cross questioning was done with government witness. The statement given and statement in court were different. When footage was given, audio footage was deleted” Atishi claimed.

Delhi schools up to class 5 will be closed for the next five days due to the cold weather

January 7, 2024, 11:09 am

Delhi Minister Atishi announced on Sunday that schools in Delhi will be closed for the next five days, until January 12, for students in Nursery through Class 5. This decision was made due to the current cold weather.

“Schools in Delhi will remain closed for the next 5 days due to the prevailing cold weather conditions, for students from Nursery to Class 5,” Atishi said in a post on X.
The Delhi government, in the previous order, extended the winter break till January 10 in all the government-aided and unaided recognised private schools of the national capital territory (NCT) in light of ‘extreme cold waves and IMD’s yellow alert’. However, hours after the issuance, the Delhi government retracted that order pertaining to the extension of winter vacation in schools within the national capital.

The lack of sunlight resulted in a cold day to severe cold day in Delhi, some areas of East Rajasthan, northwest Rajasthan, Haryana, and in isolated pockets over Punjab. There was a noticeable divergence between the highest temperatures observed at different stations and the typical range for this season. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), cold to severe cold conditions are likely to persist over Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan for the next day or two, with a marked decrease after that.

Maximum temperatures are in the range of 9-12°C over many parts of Punjab and Haryana; and in the range of 13-16 °C over north Rajasthan, Delhi, northwest Madhya Pradesh and some parts of Uttar Pradesh. It is below normal by 4-9°C over these areas.
Minimum temperatures are in the range of 6-15°C over Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, northwest Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand.