New Delhi A sharp political battle has erupted between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Indian National Congress after a recent court verdict cleared former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia in the high-profile Delhi excise policy corruption case. The exchange of allegations has dominated social media and political discourse, bringing fresh tension to opposition rivalries.
The case, which drew national attention over alleged irregularities in the now-scrapped Delhi liquor policy, led to months of investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Several senior AAP leaders, including Kejriwal, were jailed as part of the probe. On Friday, a Delhi court discharged all 23 accused, saying the prosecution failed to prove any criminal conspiracy or intent.
Kejriwal’s Emotional Reaction and Political Attack
Soon after the court ruling, Kejriwal reacted emotionally, at times breaking down as he addressed the media and thanked supporters. He described the excise case as the “biggest political conspiracy since Indian independence”, alleging that central leadership was motivated to weaken his party ahead of elections.
But it was a pointed question from Kejriwal that sparked the latest political controversy: he challenged the Rahul Gandhi-led Congress by asking why, despite facing multiple legal disputes over the years, none of its leaders — including Rahul Gandhi, Robert Vadra, or Sonia Gandhi had ever been jailed over similar charges.
He said on social media and in press interactions :
“I want to ask the Congress Kejriwal went to jail. Did Robert Vadra go to jail? Did Rahul Gandhi go to jail? Did Sonia Gandhi ji go to jail?”
This remark quickly became a flashpoint, with both sides trading accusations.
Congress Fires Back
Leaders from the Congress swiftly rejected Kejriwal’s insinuations. They accused AAP of deflecting attention from the legal and political implications of the excise case and of attempting to turn the verdict into a blame game. A senior party spokesperson said Kejriwal’s comments were “irresponsible” and aimed at avoiding accountability.
The exchange has highlighted deeper tensions between the two parties, which were once allies during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections but have since become political rivals in several key states, including Delhi and Punjab. Analysts say this political clash underscores the fragile nature of opposition cooperation against the ruling BJP
Public Reaction and Political Consequences
Across social media platforms, public reactions were sharply divided. AAP supporters praised Kejriwal for standing up to what they describe as “selective prosecution,” while critics argued that comparing unrelated legal controversies was inappropriate. Many commentators also pointed out that various politicians from multiple parties have faced legal scrutiny without necessarily being jailed.
Political analysts believe this ongoing spat could have ramifications for opposition unity as national and state elections approach. Any rift between major opposition parties may affect how they align against the BJP in future electoral battles.
What Happens Next?
While Kejriwal and Sisodia have been cleared in this case, it does not necessarily mean the legal saga is over. The CBI has already indicated its intention to challenge the court’s decision in a higher court. The political fallout, however, has already begun shaping discussions both inside and outside Parliament.
For now, the Delhi excise case verdict is being talked about not just for its legal implications, but for the political confrontation it has triggered between two of India’s most prominent opposition parties.
