BJP steps up attack on Delhi CM Kejriwal over his defence of Satyendar Jain

Satyendar Jain was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in a case of money laundering on May 30

Intensifying its attack on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over his defence of Satyendar Jain, the BJP on June 1 cited a host of details linked to the money laundering case allegedly involving the Delhi Health Minister and asked why he has been “protecting” him.

Union Minister Smriti Irani noted that Mr. Kejriwal had said on May 31 that corruption was tantamount to “gaddari” (betrayal) with the country and asked why the AAP national convener was giving protection to a “gaddar” (traitor) who has allegedly deceived treasury and people.

Ms. Irani fired off a number of questions at Mr. Kejriwal, who has rejected the Enforcement Directorate case of money laundering against his arrested ministerial colleague as forged and politically motivated, as she shared details of allegations against Mr. Jain to ask the Chief Minister if they were true or not.

Mocking Mr. Kejriwal, she said the Chief Minister has given his clean chit to a “corrupt man” by assuming the role of a judge.

Naming four shell companies allegedly owned by the accused and his family members, she asked Mr. Kejriwal if it was true that Mr. Jain laundered over ₹16.39 crore with the help of hawala operators.

The Income Tax department had rejected Mr. Jain’s contention that the money was owned by his associates, and held that it was him to whom the “ill-gotten” belonged, Ms. Irani said.

A Division Bench of the Delhi High Court in 2019 had agreed with the IT department’s findings, she noted.