"Don't Fear Arrest, But It Should Not Cost Delhi": Manish Sisodia To NDTV

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia today said he is not afraid of getting arrested and is not running away from any questions, but it shouldn't be "at the cost of the people of Delhi". He was summoned today for questioning by the Central Bureau of Investigation in a case related to alleged corruption in the now-scrapped liquor sales policy, which his government brought with him heading the excise department, but requested a deferment this morning, saying he has to work on the budget.

Speaking to NDTV, he said Delhi's budget process is in its final stages, and he is working "day and night" to complete it on time.

"I got the CBI notice yesterday, when I am working day and night to prepare Delhi's budget. Every day is important to ensure there is no delay," he said.

Mr Sisodia also claimed that it was a political witch hunt. Pointing to the timing of the CBI notice, he said that just a day after the BJP lost a case regarding the Mayor election in the Supreme Court, he was summoned for questioning. Claiming the notices were sent at "the behest of the BJP", he said the agency can arrest him later as well, after he has presented the budget.

Mr Sisodia claimed the BJP was trying to get him arrested as "revenge" for their court loss. "The BJP can get me arrested as revenge if they want to, but not by stopping the budget of Delhi's people," he said.

"BJP may have its own politics, but I have full hope that the CBI officers will listen to my request. I will answer every question, am not running away," he added.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has called it an excuse to run away from questions. Taunting Mr Sisodia, BJP's Delhi spokesperson Harish Khurana said he looked nervous from his body language.

"I am not running away from the questions, I am just saying that the work of the budget will be derailed... That's why I have requested the CBI for time till the end of February," Mr Sisodia said.

The sources said Mr Sisodia had confirmed last evening that he will visit the central probe agency's office in Delhi this morning. But around 8.45 am, the CBI received a letter in which he requested for at least a week's time to appear before the agency, sources said.  

Speaking to reporters this morning, Mr Sisodia said, "I will visit the CBI office by the end of February, whenever they will call me. Being the Finance Minister of Delhi, preparing the budget is very important, so I have requested to shift the date. I have always cooperated with these agencies." He said that this is a "crucial time" for Delhi.

Mr Sisodia, the deputy of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and others, face corruption allegations in bringing a new liquor sale policy in the national capital. Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena ordered the CBI probe last year. He was first questioned by CBI on October 17 last year and his house as well as bank lockers were also searched in connection with the case.