The stigma washed away with the tears of ‘staunchly honest’! The fight that snatched away power became the story of Arvind Kejriwal’s victory.

The image of a ‘staunchly honest’ person was tarnished, his days spent behind the bars, tears shed in front of the cameras and then the same case, which took away the power, has now become a story of victory in the political and legal battle. Arvind Kejriwal For him, this was not just a case, but had become a litmus test of his entire political identity. When he was arrested, he had repeatedly said that “the truth is with us”, but at that time his voice seemed to be drowned in the noise of allegations and political attacks. Today, when relief has been given in the same case, this story is not just of the court, but of a leader who described himself as a ‘common man fighting against the system’ and is now trying to re-establish the same narrative with a new force.

Let us mention here that Kejriwal had cried outside the court in front of the camera while remembering his arrest in March 2024. He told reporters, “I always said that the truth is with us. A sitting Chief Minister was dragged from his house and put in jail. Mud was hurled at us.” Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest followed months of drama, including allegations of medical negligence and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s attempt to ‘kill’ him in jail by denying him insulin.

What is Delhi Excise Scam?

Delhi’s famous excise (liquor) scam is related to the new excise policy of 2021-22, which was implemented by the Delhi government. The objective of this policy was said to be to bring transparency in liquor business, stop illegal sales and increase revenue. Under this, the government itself distanced itself from retail sales and allowed private licensees to run shops. Initially, there were claims of increase in revenue, but soon questions were raised on this policy and it started being linked to alleged irregularities.

What allegations did BJP make?

Bharatiya Janata Party was the first to attack this policy and called it a big corruption. Also, Kejriwal’s official residence was called Sheeshmahal. BJP’s allegation was that rules were ignored in granting licenses, some selected businessmen were benefited and government revenue was deliberately caused loss. The party also claimed that the policy changes were made by allegedly taking kickbacks from liquor traders and this money was used for election funding. BJP had strongly highlighted DJB scam, school building construction scam, mohalla clinic medicine scam and many other scams.

CBI’s allegation?

After Delhi’s famous excise (liquor) scam gained political prominence, the Central Government ordered investigation by ED and CBI. After getting the responsibility of investigation, the Central Bureau of Investigation said that serious irregularities and indications of criminal conspiracy were found in the formulation and implementation of the excise policy. According to the agency, some companies were given undue benefits and decisions were taken outside the prescribed procedure. Acting on this basis, Manish Sisodia was arrested and later other people were also brought under the ambit of investigation.

What is ED’s allegation?

The Enforcement Directorate added the angle of money laundering in this case. ED alleged that kickbacks worth about Rs 100 crore were taken, which were transferred through hawala and shell companies. The agency claimed that this money was used for election activities and the entire process was part of an organized financial conspiracy.

What was Kejriwal’s stand earlier?

Arvind Kejriwal rejected these allegations from the very beginning. He said that there was no scam and this entire matter was an act of political vendetta. He repeatedly alleged that CBI and ED were being used to suppress opposition leaders. Kejriwal and his party presented it as “honest versus conspiracy”.

How did the atmosphere change after going to jail?

In this case, first Manish Sisodia and later Arvind Kejriwal went to jail, then this matter turned into a complete political war. BJP called this a confirmation of its allegations. Instead of being staunchly honest, Arvind was described as staunchly corrupt. Whereas AAP made it an issue of sympathy and political harassment. Long stay in jail, delay in bail and health related allegations made this case more sensitive, which led to polarization among the public.

What is the impact of Delhi elections 2025?

This issue remained central in the 2025 assembly elections. BJP presented this case as a symbol of corruption and achieved a big victory. AAP had to be out of power, which was seen due to the impact on its image. According to analysts, the liquor policy case directly damaged Kejriwal’s image as an “honest leader” and influenced the election results.

Now what changed due to the court’s decision?

In the recent court decision, when the allegations were relieved and concrete evidence of a larger conspiracy was not found, it changed the narrative of the entire case. AAP is calling it a “victory of truth”, while the opposition is still raising questions. At the same time, CBI has indicated to appeal in the High Court. Overall, the Delhi Excise scam has now become a symbol of not only legal but also political and narrative battle, the impact of which will be visible in politics in future also.