ED investigates liquor fraud in opposition-ruled Indian states

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating liquor policies in several Indian states ruled by opposition parties. Critics argue that these actions are politically motivated and part of a broader strategy by the ruling BJP government to undermine their opponents. Recently, the ED launched raids in states like Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. This approach seems to target figures involved with opposition parties while ignoring irregularities in states governed by the BJP and its allies. Since 2022, the ED has conducted more than 70 raids, primarily focusing on Delhi, where the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was in power. In Tamil Nadu, the ED has been examining allegations of a Rs.1,000 crore scam linked to the state’s liquor sales. This investigation follows complaints made between 2001 and 2021. The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) claims the ED's raids are retaliatory measures meant to intimidate them. They have taken legal action against these searches, labeling them as "political vendetta." In Chhattisgarh, raids were carried out at the homes of Congress leaders, including former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, related to a Rs.2,100 crore liquor scam. Baghel accused the BJP of using the ED to tarnish his reputation and that of his party. The AAP in Delhi faces scrutiny for a previous excise policy that led to allegations of a scam. Several top leaders from the party have been arrested, sparking claims of misuse of the ED for political reasons. Similar issues have arisen in Telangana, where the daughter of former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao was arrested in connection with the Delhi liquor case, and in Karnataka, where another politician faced charges related to a significant financial scandal. Many opposition leaders argue that economic crimes should be investigated fairly across all states, not just in those ruled by their parties. There is widespread concern that the ED's operations reflect a selective approach that favors the ruling government while pursuing its political agenda.