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Arvind Kejriwal Skips ED Summon In Excise Policy Case; Delhi CM Calls Notice ‘Illegal And Politically Motivated’

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New Delhi: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal will not appear for questioning before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday (November 2) as he skipped the ED summon in the Excise Policy Case. He will instead hold a road show, along with Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, in Singrauli, in the poll bound state of Madhya Pradesh, reported. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who was summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday in connection to the excise policy case, also responded to the ED’s notice to appear before the agency for questioning.

Delhi CM’s response to notice

The Delhi CM in his response called the summon notice as “illegal and politically motivated.”

The Delhi CM also accused that the notice was sent at the behest of the BJP, alleging political vendetta.

Kejriwal said that the notice was sent to ensure that he is “unable to go for election campaigning in four states.” The states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Mizoram, Telangana and Chhatisgarh will see voting this month and the counting for the same will be on December 3.

“ED should withdraw the notice immediately.”

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal demanded that the notice issued to him should be withdrawn immediately.

What is the Excise Policy Case?

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate are probing the Delhi government’s excise policy for 2021-22 that was later scrapped. The policy allegedly favoured certain liquor dealers, accused the opposition BJP in Delhi, a charge that has denied.

Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena recommended a CBI probe

Based on a report of the chief secretary of the Delhi government, Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena recommended a CBI probe in July, 2022, into alleged irregularities in the formulation and implementation of the policy.

Alleged irregularities

The report cited various alleged irregularities including a waiver of Rs 144 crore to the retail licensees under the policy in the name of COVID-19-impacted sales and a refund of Rs 30 crore to a successful bidder for the airport zone who failed to obtain a no objection certificate for opening liquor stores there, officials said.

Another allegation was that the commission of wholesale licensees was raised from five per cent to 12 per cent in an instance of “quid pro quo.”

National News

As Finance Minister, Manmohan Singh rewrote India’s economic destiny: Assam Cong chief

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Guwahati, Dec 27: Assam Congress President Bhupen Borah on Friday said that as a Finance minister of the country, Manmohan Singh rewrote India’s economic destiny.

In an X post, Borah mentioned, “As Finance Minister, he rewrote India’s economic destiny and unleashed the era of growth and prosperity.”

He also wrote, “No amount of words can describe the pain and sorrow we feel because of the passing of former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh ji.”

According to the senior Congress leader, former Prime Minister’s legacy is unparallel in modern India.

“Dr. Manmohan Singh’s legacy is unmatched in the modern era. From his humble beginnings in pre-Partition Pakistan to the highest public office in India, Dr. Singh is not just a symbol of excellent hard work and merit but also of the possibilities of post-Independence democratic India,” Borah continued.

“Under Dr. Singh as Prime Minister, India’s economic development along with its revolutionary welfare measures took India to the next level in its growth trajectory and India was seen as the next big economic powerhouse of the 21st century. His contributions will be etched in golden letters in our history books,” he said.

Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, renowned economist and architect of India’s economic reforms, passed away on Thursday at the age of 92. He was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here following a deterioration in his health.

Dr. Singh, who served as country’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, was known for his transformative role in steering India’s economy through a period of significant liberalisation. His tenure is often credited for initiating major economic reforms in 1991 when he was the finance minister, which helped modernise India’s economy and integrate it into the global market.

A man of humility and intellect, Dr. Singh was a respected figure both in India and globally.

Under his leadership, India saw consistent economic growth, reducing poverty and strengthening the country’s position on the world stage. His government was also known for implementing crucial legislations in areas such as education, food security, and information.

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PM Modi, HM Shah, others pay tributes to former PM Manmohan Singh

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New Delhi, Dec 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and other prominent leaders visited the residence of late former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh here on Friday morning to pay their respects and offer condolences to his family.

Dr Singh, who passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92, was mourned by leaders across the political spectrum. PM Modi expressed his deep sorrow and lauded Dr Singh’s immense contribution to the nation’s progress.

“Dr. Manmohan Singh’s vision and integrity as a leader will forever remain etched in India’s history,” PM Modi said in a statement.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid his last respects, calling Dr Singh a statesman and a distinguished economist who played a pivotal role in shaping India’s modern economic policies.

BJP President and Union Minister J.P. Nadda joined the homage, emphasising Dr Singh’s commitment to public service throughout his illustrious career.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, too, on Friday expressed deep condolences over the passing of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.

Reflecting on Dr Singh’s legacy, the RSS acknowledged his immense contributions to the nation. Taking to social media platform X, the official RSS handle posted: “The entire nation is deeply saddened by the demise of former Prime Minister and senior leader Dr Sardar Manmohan Singh. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh expresses heartfelt condolences to his family and countless admirers. Dr. Singh, rising from a humble background, adorned the highest office of the country.

The Central government has announced a seven-day period of national mourning till January 1, 2025, to honour the legacy of Dr Singh. A notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs directed all states and Union Territories to lower the national flag to half-mast during this period and cancel all official entertainment programmes.

The last rites of the former Prime Minister will be conducted with full state honours, showcasing the nation’s gratitude and respect for his decades of service.

Dr Manmohan Singh served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 and is remembered for his pivotal role in India’s economic liberalisation in the early 1990s. His leadership combined intellectual depth with a calm demeanour, earning him respect both domestically and internationally.

The nation mourns the loss of one of its finest leaders, whose contributions have left an indelible mark on India’s journey as a global economic powerhouse.

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7 days of national mourning declared; state funeral for Dr. Manmohan Singh

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New Delhi, Dec 27: The Central government on Friday announced seven days of national mourning as a mark of respect to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who died at the age of 92 here on Thursday.

A notification from the Ministry of Home Affairs issued to the chief secretaries of all the states and Union Territories stated that in view of the demise of the former Prime Minister and as a mark of respect, seven days of mourning would be observed throughout India till January 1, 2025.

The last rites of the former Prime Minister will be conducted with full State honours, the statement said.

According to the notification all government programmes scheduled for Friday were cancelled.

The statement noted that the National Flag would be flown at half-mast on the days of mourning throughout India on all buildings where it is flown regularly and there would be no official entertainment on the days during the period of national mourning.

Earlier on Friday, Dr Singh’s mortal remains were taken from AIIMS New Delhi to his residence. He had been rushed to the hospital late on Thursday evening where he breathed his last.

The news of Dr. Singh’s demise was confirmed by the hospital late on Thursday night.

“With profound grief, we inform the demise of former Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh aged 92. He was being treated for age related medical conditions and had sudden loss of consciousness at home on December 26. Resuscitative measures were started immediately at home. He was brought to the medical emergency at AIIMS. Despite all efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 9.51 p.m.,” said the hospital in a statement.

Dr. Singh, who served as the country’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, was known for his transformative role in steering India’s economy through a period of significant liberalisation.

He is survived by his wife, Gursharan Kaur, and their three daughters.

Dr. Singh’s death marks the end of an era in Indian politics. His leadership and legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

In April this year, Manmohan Singh retired from Rajya Sabha, with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge praising his long parliamentary career.

Manmohan Singh shot to prominence as the country’s Finance Minister in the government headed by P.V. Narasimha Rao during 1991-96, having brought in sweeping reforms that transformed the economy.

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