India 

Delhi Lieutenant Governor recommends NIA probe into allegations that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and AAP received funding from a banned Khalistani group, sparking political controversy and accusations ahead of Delhi's upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

In a significant development, Delhi's Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has recommended a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into allegations surrounding Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. The allegations suggest that they received funding from 'Sikhs for Justice', a banned US-based Khalistani group.

The Lieutenant Governor's decision comes in response to a complaint alleging that the AAP received USD 16 million from pro-Khalistani groups. These funds were purportedly linked to facilitating the release of 1993 Delhi blasts convict and terrorist Devendra Pal Bhullar and advocating pro-Khalistani sentiments.

According to sources from the Lt Governor's Secretariat, the complaint raised concerns regarding the political funding received from a banned outfit, necessitating an investigation into the electronic evidence provided by the complainant. This includes forensic examination to ascertain the veracity of the claims.

The Lieutenant Governor also forwarded a letter written by Kejriwal to one Iqbal Singh in January 2014 to the Ministry of Home Affairs. In the letter, Kejriwal purportedly mentioned the AAP government's recommendation to the President for Bhullar's release and commitment to addressing related issues promptly.

Furthermore, allegations surfaced concerning closed-door meetings between Kejriwal and Khalistani leaders at Gurudwara Richmond Hills, New York, during his 2014 visit. It is alleged that Kejriwal promised to facilitate Bhullar's release in exchange for substantial financial backing from Khalistani factions to the AAP.

The complaint also references a video released by Sikhs for Justice chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a wanted Khalistani terrorist. In the video, Pannun alleges that the AAP received USD 16 million from Khalistani groups between 2014 and 2022.

Adding to the controversy, Dr. Munish Kumar Raizada, a former AAP worker, shared pictures on social media purportedly depicting Kejriwal's meeting with Khalistani leaders.

Kejriwal, presently in judicial custody since April 1 in connection with a money laundering case linked to Delhi's liquor policy, has vehemently denied these allegations.

In response to the developments, AAP leader and Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating a political conspiracy. He asserted that the BJP's actions stem from apprehension about potential defeat in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Delhi.

Bharadwaj labeled the Lieutenant Governor as an agent of the BJP and described the allegations as a concerted effort to undermine Kejriwal and the AAP.

The unfolding events underscore a complex and contentious intersection of politics and allegations, prompting calls for thorough investigation and scrutiny into the matter. With polling scheduled for May 25 in Delhi, the repercussions of these developments may significantly influence the political landscape in the region.