Arvind Kejriwal Launches Scathing Attack on PM Modi After Court Acquittal
New Delhi: In a dramatic turn of events, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has launched a fierce attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding a public apology following his acquittal in the high-profile liquor scam case. Kejriwal, who spent six months in jail in 2024 while serving as chief minister, alleged that the so-called "liquor scam" was the "biggest political conspiracy in independent India," orchestrated to crush the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Court Verdict and Emotional Aftermath
Earlier in the day, the AAP chief broke down before the media after the verdict, calling it a "triumph of truth." His one-time deputy chief minister, Manish Sisodia, was seen consoling him during this emotional moment. Kejriwal then arrived at his residence to an emotional welcome by his family members, including his wife Sunita, marking a poignant end to a lengthy legal battle.
The court not only acquitted Kejriwal but also ordered disciplinary action against the CBI's investigating officer, stating that the case was not fit to proceed due to a complete lack of evidence or witnesses. This ruling has sent shockwaves through political circles, raising questions about the integrity of the investigation.
Kejriwal's Allegations of Political Conspiracy
Addressing a press conference at AAP headquarters, Kejriwal accused PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of hatching a political conspiracy to destabilize the Delhi government. "For the past four years, ED, CBI, and other government institutions were weaponized to level false allegations under the guise of the 'liquor scam,'" he asserted. Kejriwal emphasized that the court's decision exposed the case as fabricated, with no basis for even initiating a trial.
The controversy dates back to July 2022, months after the AAP government introduced a revamped excise policy that fully privatized retail liquor sales, aimed at curbing corruption and boosting revenue. Following a recommendation by Delhi's Lieutenant Governor for a probe into alleged irregularities, the CBI registered a case, and the ED initiated a parallel money-laundering investigation.
Impact on AAP Leaders and Broader Implications
At one point, five senior AAP politicians, including Kejriwal, Sisodia, Sanjay Singh, and Vijay Nair, were incarcerated in connection with the case. Sisodia spent nearly two years in jail, highlighting the severe personal and political toll of the allegations. Kejriwal, hitting out at the BJP, stated, "The public knows that Arvind Kejriwal is honest, so they attacked my honesty. Today's court order proves before the country that Kejriwal is kattar imaandar (staunchly honest). A huge burden has been lifted from my heart."
He further dared PM Modi to call fresh assembly elections in Delhi, claiming that the BJP's actions have ruined the city. "Go anywhere in Delhi today, the roads are broken. Medicines are no longer available in hospitals. Mohalla clinics are being shut down. Schools are in a bad condition. Pollution has reached unprecedented levels, and the Yamuna is in a terrible state," Kejriwal lamented. He challenged Modi, saying if the BJP wins more than 10 seats in a fresh election, he would quit politics, asserting that the people of Delhi are fed up with the current administration.
Future Legal Steps and Broader Justice
Kejriwal announced that AAP will file an application in court next week for discharge in cases registered by the ED, expressing confidence that higher courts, including the Supreme Court, will deliver justice similarly. "When there is no evidence and no witness, where will they get witnesses and evidence in the higher courts?" he questioned, underscoring the flimsy nature of the charges.
This acquittal not only vindicates Kejriwal but also raises critical questions about the use of investigative agencies for political purposes, potentially reshaping the narrative ahead of upcoming elections and governance debates in India.
