Kejriwal Unleashes Scathing Critique on Modi and Shah Following Legal Victory
In a dramatic press conference held in New Delhi, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal launched a blistering offensive against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This confrontation came immediately after Kejriwal received a judicial clean chit in the high-profile Delhi excise policy case, a development he described as historic.
Allegations of Political Conspiracy and Unfounded Charges
Kejriwal directly accused Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah of orchestrating a comprehensive conspiracy against him and his party. "The only way to stop Kejriwal was to have him killed," he declared emphatically, suggesting that elimination was considered the sole remaining option because other methods had failed. He asserted that despite their efforts, "the two still could not hold him down."
The Delhi Chief Minister detailed what he characterized as a relentless campaign of legal harassment. "You unleashed the ED, the CBI, the police, and the Income Tax Department against us," Kejriwal stated, addressing the Prime Minister directly. "You sent five of our top leaders to jail through what I maintain are fabricated charges."
Judicial Vindication and the "Historic" Court Order
Kejriwal placed significant emphasis on the court's detailed ruling, which spanned nearly 600 pages. He explained that the court was tasked with determining whether sufficient prima facie evidence existed to even commence a trial in the excise case. "The court said there is not even an iota of evidence, not even credible witness statements, to justify even conducting a trial," he highlighted, reading from the order.
He further elaborated that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) had filed charge sheets in what was commonly referred to as the liquor scam. However, the judicial examination found these documents lacking substantive proof. "There is not a single piece of evidence based on which a trial can be run," Kejriwal reiterated, urging the public and media to study the order themselves.
A Challenge to Governance and Electoral Confidence
Beyond the legal battle, Kejriwal issued a stark political challenge. He claimed that Delhi's development had suffered due to what he described as the central leadership's obsession with power. "The heaviest cost of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah’s pursuit of power has been borne by the 3 crore people of Delhi," he asserted.
In a bold move, Kejriwal challenged Prime Minister Modi to call fresh elections in the national capital. "Today, I challenge Modi ji, if he has the courage, let him call fresh elections in Delhi," he proclaimed. "If his party secures even more than 10 seats, I will quit politics entirely." This statement underscores his confidence in AAP's electoral strength in Delhi.
Contrasting Development Models and Political Philosophy
Kejriwal presented an alternative vision for neutralizing political opposition through substantive governance rather than legal maneuvers. "I built 500 schools in Delhi; you build 5,000 schools across the country," he suggested to the Prime Minister. "I improved the roads in Delhi; you fix the roads across the entire nation. Then no one would even ask about Kejriwal anymore."
However, he expressed skepticism about this approach being adopted, stating plainly, "But that is not something Modi ji can do." This remark highlights the deep ideological divide between the AAP's focus on local governance and education versus the BJP's broader national agenda.
The press conference concluded with Kejriwal reaffirming his commitment to continue his political work despite what he views as sustained targeting by central agencies. The clean chit in the excise case represents a significant legal and political victory for the AAP leader, potentially reshaping the dynamics of opposition politics in the lead-up to future elections.
