In a landmark ruling that has sent shockwaves through Delhi’s political corridors, the Rouse Avenue Court on Friday acquitted Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, along with all other accused, in the CBI’s Delhi excise policy case. AAP’s Delhi unit chief Saurabh Bharadwaj celebrated the verdict as a resounding triumph not just for the party, but for the entire nation.
Speaking exclusively to reporters, Bharadwaj declared, ‘This isn’t a victory for Kejriwal or Sisodia alone—it’s the win of every honest citizen in India. The court’s decision today reaffirms that truth and integrity still hold sway in our democracy.’ He emphasized how the judgment exposes the fragility of politically motivated probes, pointing to the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) exhaustive raids across 600 locations in cities like Delhi, Punjab, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Bengaluru—yet yielding zero recoveries.
Bharadwaj didn’t mince words on the agencies involved. ‘The ED is on a wheelchair—incapable of standing on evidence,’ he quipped, recalling the Supreme Court’s observation that the case wouldn’t survive even a minute in trial, yet bail was denied. ‘This acquittal proves they had no proof worth running a trial on.’
The AAP leader used the occasion to highlight a deeper malaise plaguing India: corruption. ‘In today’s India, honest leaders are hounded while the corrupt thrive unchecked,’ he said. ‘Kejriwal and Sisodia faced jail and smears precisely because they dared to work honestly for the people.’
Turning his guns on Congress leader Ajay Maken, Bharadwaj accused him of being a ‘closet BJP supporter.’ ‘For 10 years, our government operated transparently, and Maken’s allies still linger in offices. Despite being in Congress, he works for BJP’s interests—that’s why Congress is crumbling, except perhaps for Rahul Gandhi who might not see it yet.’
As celebrations erupt among AAP ranks, this verdict could reshape the political narrative ahead of key elections, underscoring the judiciary’s role in upholding justice against alleged vendettas. For now, it’s a morale booster for AAP, proving that perseverance against odds pays off.