The AAP firmly opposed the ED's accusations, labeling them as baseless and politically motivated. The party argued that the ED's repeated claims were unfounded and intended to tarnish the reputation of key AAP figures, without producing any concrete evidence to support their allegations. AAP officials pointed out that the ED's investigations, including numerous raids and interrogations, failed to yield any incriminating evidence or money trail in the case.
The ongoing conflict between the AAP and the ED escalated as the latter insisted on the involvement of AAP leaders in a bribery scandal related to the Delhi excise policy. Despite the ED's persistence, the AAP maintained its stance that the allegations were concocted and lacking substantiation, even citing the Supreme Court's dismissal of the claimed money trail. Additionally, the AAP accused the BJP of exerting influence on corporates, who were allegedly targeted by the ED and subsequently contributed to the BJP through electoral bonds post-raid, insinuating a collusion between the two entities.
The ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) contended that the Delhi excise policy, under the Kejriwal-led government, facilitated corruption and favored specific liquor traders through illicit dealings. Following the policy's scrapping and the initiation of a CBI probe after the LG's recommendation, the ED registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act related to the excise policy saga. The AAP vehemently denied the allegations and lambasted the investigative agencies for their relentless pursuit based on what they assert is a fabricated case lacking any substantial evidence.