Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal finds himself embroiled in a series of controversies, including allegations of involvement in a liquor scam and accusations of assault against Swati Maliwal. Now Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has found himself in a difficult situation due to allegations of foreign funding. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has disclosed that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) received Rs 7.08 crore in foreign funds between 2014 and 2022. The ED claims that the party received funds from various countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, and Oman. Additionally, the identity of the donors was allegedly hidden and tampered with to bypass restrictions imposed by the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA).
Background of the Foreign Funding Scandal:
The report submitted by the ED to the Home Ministry outlines numerous instances of irregularities, implicating AAP in unlawful fundraising practices. While investigating a drug bust in Punjab, evidence surfaced indicating that the Aam Aadmi Party received foreign funding. But the most important fact is that the funding appears to have violated both the Foreign Contributions Regulation Act (FCRA) and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). So, it’s not just any scandal; it’s a potentially unlawful financial affair.
Details of ED’s Investigation findings?
Further investigation revealed that AAP obtained funds through fundraising campaigns in the US and Canada while concealing the identities of donors. The concern arises from the repetition of phone numbers matching passport numbers, indicating possible manipulation to disguise the true source of funds. Investigations reveal donations linked to Canadian citizens, suggesting foreign involvement.
The Enforcement Directorate’s findings indicate a significant amount of money, totalling 1.02 crores, from 155 foreign nationals using 55 passport numbers. The revelation of large donations, such as four separate contributions of Rs. 50 lakhs each, highlights the magnitude of the issue. The involvement of Canadian donations highlights international fundraising efforts, adding complexity to the matter. These actions were reportedly taken to circumvent the restrictions imposed by the FCRA, which prohibits political parties in India from accepting foreign donations.
Implications for Kejriwal and the AAP:
The revelation of the foreign funding scandal has put Arvind Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party in a precarious position. The ED’s report has been submitted to the Union Home Ministry, indicating serious legal implications for the party. Violating the FCRA can lead to the cancellation of the party’s registration. The allegations of illegal funding have raised questions about the party’s integrity and transparency.
The ED’s investigation has also shed light on the involvement of key party members. Pankaj Gupta, the National Secretary of the AAP, was summoned by the agency and reportedly confessed to the violations. The investigation has uncovered evidence of donations made through an online portal, which further supports the claim of illegal foreign funding.
The Impact on Kejriwal’s Image:
Arvind Kejriwal, renowned for his anti-corruption stance, is now grappling with a severe blow to his integrity. The accusations of foreign funding directly challenge his image as a principled and transparent leader. With the Enforcement Directorate’s revelations shedding light on the party’s purported engagement in illicit practices, Kejriwal’s credibility is lost. “AAP Party has also been accused in the Delhi Liquor Scam, so the possibility of the AAP Party’s license cancellation in the near future is high, and there’s a possibility that several leaders, including Delhi’s Chief Minister, could find themselves behind bars very soon.”
The foreign funding scandal surrounding Arvind Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party has put them in a difficult position. The ED’s investigation has revealed significant irregularities in the party’s funding, including the concealment of donor identities and violations of the FCRA. These allegations have raised questions about the party’s integrity and transparency, tarnishing Kejriwal’s image as an anti-corruption crusader. The legal implications of the scandal could lead to the cancellation of the party’s registration. The full extent of the scandal is yet to be uncovered, but it has undoubtedly created a challenging situation for Kejriwal and the AAP.