LiquorPolicyCase – Court Clears Arvind Kejriwal, AAP Celebrates Verdict
LiquorPolicyCase – The atmosphere outside 5, Firoz Shah Road changed dramatically on Friday after a court dismissed the excise policy case against former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, triggering celebrations among Aam Aadmi Party supporters.
The residence, which had remained relatively quiet in recent months, quickly turned into a gathering point for party leaders and workers. Sweets were handed out to visitors as drums echoed through the street. Supporters danced and chanted slogans in support of Kejriwal, while senior AAP figures joined them in marking what they described as a significant legal victory.
Jubilant Scenes Outside Kejriwal’s Residence
Inside the house, Kejriwal was seen sharing an emotional moment with his family. Party sources said he appeared overwhelmed as he hugged his wife and children shortly after the verdict. Former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, who was also discharged in the same case, was present during the celebrations and stood alongside Kejriwal as supporters gathered in large numbers.
Several party workers described the court’s decision as a vindication. One supporter claimed the case had been politically motivated and expressed relief that the legal process had concluded in their favor.
Growing Crowds at AAP Headquarters
As news of the ruling spread, the focus of celebrations shifted to the AAP headquarters at 1 Pt Ravi Shankar Shukla Lane. Party members assembled there in increasing numbers throughout the afternoon. Some compared the mood to a festival, with colored powder thrown in the air and chants filling the premises.
Earlier in the day, Kejriwal had appeared in court when the order was pronounced. Later, at around 4 pm, he addressed a press conference at the party office. By the time he arrived, a large crowd had already gathered, waiting to hear his response to the court’s decision.
Kejriwal Calls Case a Political Conspiracy
Speaking to reporters, Kejriwal described the corruption allegations linked to the Delhi liquor policy as a major political conspiracy. He maintained that the case had been fabricated and said the verdict reaffirmed his and his party’s commitment to clean governance. During his remarks, he grew visibly emotional while thanking supporters and party colleagues.
Standing beside him, Sisodia echoed similar sentiments. Kejriwal stated that the court’s order had upheld the party’s claim of integrity. Both leaders emphasized that they had consistently denied any wrongdoing in the excise policy matter.
The excise policy case had drawn national attention due to its political implications and the involvement of senior AAP leaders. Investigations were conducted by central agencies, and the matter had remained a key point of contention between the Aam Aadmi Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party in recent months.
Shift to Firoz Shah Road Residence
The celebrations at 5, Firoz Shah Road also drew attention to Kejriwal’s current living arrangement. On October 5, 2024, he vacated the official Delhi government bungalow at 6 Flag Staff Road in Civil Lines amid ongoing controversy. Since then, he has been residing at the Firoz Shah Road address as a guest of AAP’s Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab, Ashok Mittal, to whom the central government bungalow is allotted.
On Friday, Mittal was seen outside the residence as party leaders and supporters gathered following the court’s ruling. According to AAP leaders, the Firoz Shah Road bungalow will remain Kejriwal’s temporary residence, at least until the upcoming elections.
Political Implications Ahead of Elections
The court’s decision is expected to influence the political discourse in Delhi in the run-up to the elections. While AAP leaders hailed the discharge as proof of their stance, political observers note that the broader debate over governance and accountability is likely to continue.
For now, however, Friday’s verdict brought visible relief and celebration within AAP ranks. The outcome marks a significant moment in the ongoing political contest in the national capital, as Kejriwal and his party seek to move forward after months of legal uncertainty.