The CBI has granted Manish Sisodia’s request for more time, but a new date has yet to be set.

After hours of deliberation, the Central Bureau of Investigation accepted Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia’s request to postpone his questioning in a case involving alleged corruption in the now-defunct liquor sales policy.

Officials have stated that new summons will be issued shortly. Earlier this morning, Mr. Sisodia requested that the investigation be extended until the end of February because he was busy preparing Delhi’s budget.

He stated that Delhi’s budget process is nearing completion and that he is working “day and night” to complete it on time.

He is not afraid of being arrested or questioned, but it should not be “at the expense of the people of Delhi,” he said, referring to the CBI’s summons as a political witch hunt. He cited the timing of the CBI notice, claiming that he was summoned for questioning just a day after the BJP lost a case concerning the Mayor election in the Supreme Court. He claims the notices were sent at the request of the BJP and claims the agency has the authority to arrest him after he has presented the budget.

The investigation is related to the now-withdrawn Delhi liquor sales policy, which was implemented in 2021. Manish Sisodia is the head of Delhi’s excise department, which is how he got in trouble.

The Bharatiya Janata Party dismissed Mr. Sisodia’s request as an excuse to avoid answering questions. Harish Khurana, the BJP’s Delhi spokesperson, mocked Mr. Sisodia, saying his body language suggested he was nervous.