New Delhi erupted in cheers for Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday as a court acquitted him in the high-profile Delhi excise policy scam case. Former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia also walked free, marking a stunning reversal in a saga that gripped the nation for years.
Kejriwal, visibly overcome with emotion, broke down in tears outside the courtroom. Sisodia, his longtime ally, rushed to embrace him in a heartfelt moment captured by media cameras. The acquittal of all accused has shattered the prosecution’s narrative, which alleged massive corruption in the now-scrapped liquor policy.
‘I am not corrupt. I’ve only earned honesty in my life,’ Kejriwal declared, his voice trembling. ‘The court has declared me staunchly honest, Sisodia staunchly honest, and AAP staunchly honest. The BJP’s liquor scam cries for years have been proven false today.’
He lambasted the BJP-led central government, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of orchestrating ‘the biggest political conspiracy since Independence’ to dismantle AAP. ‘They jailed our top five leaders, dragged the current Chief Minister from his home,’ Kejriwal fumed.
Kejriwal hailed the judiciary, thanking the judge for upholding truth. ‘We always said truth prevails. God is with us,’ he added, urging rivals to win power through good governance amid India’s pressing issues like inflation, unemployment, crumbling roads, and pollution.
Sunita Kejriwal, his wife, celebrated on X: ‘No matter how powerful one becomes, none is above Shiv Shakti. Truth always triumphs.’
The verdict is a major boost for AAP ahead of elections, vindicating their fight against what they call politically motivated cases. As supporters thronged the streets, Kejriwal vowed to redouble efforts for Delhi’s people.