The ongoing battle between the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Arvind Kejriwal, the chief of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), took a significant turn today with the Ministry of Home Affairs giving its nod for the prosecution of Kejriwal. This decision is connected to the ongoing money laundering case linked to the controversial Delhi excise policy.

Earlier, Delhi's Lieutenant Governor, VK Saxena, had already granted permission for the prosecution of the former Delhi Chief Minister. Today, with the approval from the Home Ministry, the Enforcement Directorate is now set to press charges against Arvind Kejriwal and his deputy.

This move comes just ahead of the crucial Delhi Assembly elections, scheduled for February 5. It is seen as a major setback for the AAP, which has been asserting that the central government’s actions against Kejriwal are unlawful. However, with charges now framed, the trial will begin, adding further pressure on the AAP leadership.

This development follows a Supreme Court verdict from November last year, which required the Enforcement Directorate to secure prior sanction before prosecuting public servants. In line with this, the ED has now obtained the necessary approval from the Home Ministry to proceed with the charges.