‘I am kattar Imaandaar’: Arvind Kejriwal Breaks Down After Clean Chit in Delhi Excise Policy Case
"I Am Kattar, Honest": Arvind Kejriwal Breaks Down After Clean Chit in Delhi Excise Policy Case
Rouse Avenue Court says CBI failed to establish overarching conspiracy; AAP calls verdict a moral victory
In a significant development in the Delhi excise policy case, the Rouse Avenue Court has discharged former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and 21 others.
The court observed that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) failed to establish any “overarching conspiracy or criminal intent” behind the now-scrapped Delhi Excise Policy. Among those granted relief was K. Kavitha, president of Telangana Jagruthi.
The excise policy case had emerged as one of the most high-profile political controversies in recent years, leading to arrests, prolonged investigations and intense political debate.
Kejriwal Breaks Down, Says ‘I Am Honest’
Reacting to the verdict, Arvind Kejriwal said truth had prevailed and expressed faith in the Indian legal system. He reiterated that he had lived his life honestly and maintained that the allegations against him were politically motivated.
Manish Sisodia also welcomed the decision, saying it had strengthened public faith in the Constitution. In a statement, he said that despite repeated attempts to portray them as dishonest, the court had now affirmed their integrity.
Several leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) described the judgment as a moment of relief and vindication for the party.
Anna Hazare Urges Respect For Court’s Decision
Social activist Anna Hazare reacted to the verdict by saying that the court’s decision must be respected. He emphasised that India functions effectively due to the strength and independence of its judiciary.
Hazare said that judicial decisions form the backbone of democratic functioning and should be accepted in the spirit of the rule of law.
Political Reactions Intensify
AAP leaders claimed that the verdict supported their long-standing assertion that the case lacked a strong foundation. Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh alleged that the investigation was part of an attempt to damage the party’s image and highlighted that several leaders had spent months in jail during the probe.
Delhi AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj criticised the BJP, stating that despite governing multiple states, it had focused on targeting the Delhi government. He alleged that investigative agencies acted on complaints that he described as baseless.
A Case With National Political Impact
The Delhi excise policy case had triggered widespread political debate, arrests and courtroom battles. Kejriwal had earlier submitted his resignation to the Delhi Lieutenant Governor amid the controversy, and several senior AAP leaders had been incarcerated during the investigation.
With the court discharging the accused, the development has once again sparked discussions about the functioning of investigative agencies and the importance of respecting judicial outcomes.
The verdict marks a major turning point in a case that significantly shaped political discourse in the capital and beyond.
