New Delhi, February 27 After being discharged by a court here on Friday in the liquor policy case, former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah of conspiring to eliminate the Aam Aadmi Party through a "fake" case, which was part of the "biggest political conspiracy" in independent India's history.
The court, while granting relief to Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia, and 21 others, criticized the CBI's charge sheet, stating that it suffered from internal contradictions and undermined the conspiracy theory.
Kejriwal said the court's verdict was historic, adding that the judge showed immense courage in issuing the order "under these circumstances, when all institutions are under attack."
"The court has proven that Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and AAP are 'Kattar Imaandar' (extremely honest)," he stated, accompanied by former Deputy Chief Minister Sisodia.
Kejriwal criticized the BJP, stating that he had earned only honesty and reputation throughout his life, which Modi and Shah had been attacking through the "fake" liquor scam case.
"The BJP has created chaos in Delhi with problems like pollution and a polluted Yamuna River," Kejriwal asserted. "I challenge Prime Minister Modi to hold fresh elections in Delhi, and if the BJP wins more than 10 seats, I will step down from politics."
After the court's verdict, Kejriwal broke down while speaking to reporters. Kejriwal was present in the court when Special Judge Jitendra Singh passed the order.
Later in the day, addressing a press conference, the AAP chief announced that they would file an application in court for discharge in connection with cases registered by the Enforcement Directorate.
Soon after the court's order, celebrations erupted at Kejriwal's home, and AAP workers distributed sweets and danced to dhol beats, cheering "Arvind Kejriwal Zindabad."
"Holi has arrived early," party workers rejoiced as they played with gulaal.
Inside the house, Kejriwal was seen hugging his wife and children, visibly emotional. Sisodia was also part of the celebration.
"Today is a day to celebrate, truth and honesty have prevailed," a party worker said.
A senior party leader stated that Kejriwal and Sisodia's discharge would boost the morale of AAP workers and strengthen the party ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. The MCD elections are also scheduled to be held next year.
Kejriwal's wife, Sunita, thanked the court and the judge for their "bravery."
"Arvind Kejriwal has lived his entire life with honesty and for the progress of the country. But these people, in their greed for power, made false accusations and jailed his aides... But I had faith in God," she told
Kejriwal stated that it was the first time a sitting Chief Minister was "dragged out of his home and put in jail," and reminded people of his and Sisodia's jail time.
The entire case was a "fake" one, asserted Kejriwal, who was arrested in the alleged liquor scam case in March 2024 by the Enforcement Directorate.
"Mud slinging was resorted to against us," he said, breaking down. "There were round-the-clock TV debates, and news was flashed that Kejriwal is corrupt."
Kejriwal said people questioned why he became silent and vanished after returning from jail.
"I am not a politician. Politicians don't care even if abused, they have thick skin. But I care when someone calls me corrupt, sends me to jail and my family faces sarcasm. Kejriwal ko fark padta hai. I had decided to keep silent until proven innocent before the whole country. A heavy burden is lifted off my chest today."
"I want to tell Modiji that you slapped so many cases against us, sent ED, CBI, IT, Police against us, sent us to jail but still could not harm Kejriwal.
"Now there is only one option Modiji to deal with Kejriwal - get Kejriwal murdered. Otherwise, Kejriwal cannot be handled by you. You have tried everything now Kejriwal must be murdered. There is one more option but Modji cannot attempt it."
"Satyamev Jayate" was the common refrain among the Aam Aadmi Party leaders and workers, who claimed that theirs is an uncompromisingly honest party, and the court order has proved that.
Reacting to the order, Sisodia said the ruling reaffirmed the public's faith in the Constitution.
"Despite all the attempts by the BJP and its agencies to prove us dishonest, today it has been established that Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia are honest," the former Delhi education minister said in a post on X.
Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Atishi said the party had endured sustained pressure during the investigation. Recalling the incarceration of leaders and the hardships faced by their families, she said the court's decision showed how false allegations were made to target AAP leaders.
"The AAP is a staunchly honest party, and today's verdict proves it," she said. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said, "Truth always triumphs".
