Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court delivered a stunning blow to the long-running Delhi liquor policy saga, clearing AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal, ex-Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, and all co-accused on Friday. AAP Delhi president Saurabh Bharadwaj framed the acquittal as a pivotal moment for democracy, dubbing it ‘the people’s victory over fabricated cases.’
In a pointed interview, Bharadwaj elaborated, ‘This judgment belongs to every Indian who believes in honesty. It’s a slap to those who weaponize institutions against upright leaders.’ He dissected the ED’s operations, mocking their fruitless marathon raids spanning 600 sites nationwide. ‘From Delhi to Bengaluru, not a single incriminating find—yet they persisted without evidence.’
Echoing Supreme Court remarks, Bharadwaj noted how the top court had predicted the case’s collapse in trial but withheld bail initially. ‘Today, the trial court confirmed it: no case to answer.’
Bharadwaj painted a grim picture of India’s governance challenges. ‘Corruption is rampant, but honest workers like Kejriwal and Sisodia get jailed and vilified. The corrupt roam free, enjoying impunity.’ This acquittal, he argued, signals hope that justice can prevail over political persecution.
He reserved sharp criticism for Congress’s Ajay Maken, labeling him a BJP enabler within opposition ranks. ‘Maken’s cronies still hold sway in our offices after a decade in power. He stays in Congress but advances BJP agendas—evident to all but perhaps Rahul Gandhi. That’s Congress’s downfall.’
The ruling arrives at a crucial juncture, potentially galvanizing AAP’s campaign machinery while questioning the credibility of central probes. As Bharadwaj put it, ‘Honesty has won today, and India is stronger for it.’ Political analysts predict ripples in upcoming polls, with AAP leveraging this as proof of their clean image.