As Sisodia faces CBI heat in liquor policy case, Kejriwal cries 'Operation Lotus' | Story so far
India TodayFacing CBI heat, deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia on Monday claimed he was "offered the CM's post" by the BJP and closure of all cases if he quit the Aam Aadmi Party and joined the saffron outfit. Here’s the story so far in the Delhi excise policy case: The alleged scam came to light on July 22, after the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi recommended a CBI investigation into alleged rule violations and procedural flaws in the implementation of the excise policy. The L-G’s recommendation of a CBI inquiry was based on a report by the Delhi Chief Secretary, which found "substantive indications" of “financial quid pro quo” at the "top political level" wherein the Minister In-charge of the excise department, Manish Sisodia, took and got executed, major decisions/actions “in violation of the statutory provisions and the notified Excise Policy that had huge financial implications.” Under direct orders of Manish Sisodia, the excise department decided to allow a waiver of Rs 144.36 crore singularly to the liquor cartel, on the tendered license fee under the excuse of Covid-19 pandemic, which caused huge losses to the exchequer, added the report. But the CBI searched Sisodia's house and booked him in connection with the alleged irregularities in the Delhi excise policy. On Monday, key accused, including the alleged close associates of Manish Sisodia, were questioned by the CBI in the excise policy case, sources told India Today.