Arvind Kejriwal dares to hold fresh Delhi polls: ‘If BJP wins more than 10 seats…’

The remarks came after the Rouse Avenue Court cleared Kejriwal, former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, and 21 others of charges in the Delhi excise policy case.

Court Discharges 23 Accused, Questions CBI Case

The court ruled that the prosecution had failed to substantiate allegations of large-scale corruption with credible material. It held that claims of a broader conspiracy and criminal intent did not withstand judicial scrutiny.

All 23 accused were discharged, including former BRS leader K. Kavitha.

Investigating agencies — the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) — had alleged that the 2021–22 excise policy was designed to benefit select liquor businesses.

MUST READ: Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia discharged in Delhi excise policy case. Former CM in tears | WATCH

According to the CBI, a group dubbed the “South Group” allegedly paid Rs 100 crore in kickbacks, and retail profit margins were increased from 5% to 12% to facilitate the arrangement.

However, the court concluded that there was insufficient material even to proceed with prosecution.

“If You Have Courage, Hold Elections Again”

Addressing reporters after the verdict, Kejriwal accused PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah of orchestrating a political conspiracy.

“This entire conspiracy was hatched by two people – Narendra Modi and Amit Shah,” he said, alleging that the case was aimed at removing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) from power in Delhi.

He further claimed that the people of Delhi had borne the consequences of what he described as a “lust for power.”

“Today I challenge Modi ji. If you have the courage, hold elections in Delhi again. If you get more than ten seats, I will quit politics,” Kejriwal said.

The BJP returned to power in Delhi in 2025, winning 48 out of 70 Assembly seats, while AAP was reduced to 22 after securing dominant mandates in 2015 (67 seats) and 2020 (62 seats).

Kejriwal welcomed the court’s nearly 600-page order, saying it examined all evidence and witness testimonies before concluding that there was “not even enough evidence” to move forward.

“The court had to decide whether there was sufficient material to prosecute,” he said, adding that justice had prevailed.

He thanked his legal team, including senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, for their efforts.

How the Case Began

The excise policy controversy originated from a July 2022 report by the Delhi Chief Secretary flagging alleged irregularities. Subsequently, Lieutenant Governor V. K. Saxena recommended a CBI probe.

Sisodia was arrested in February 2023, while Kejriwal was arrested in March 2024. Both later secured bail from the Supreme Court of India.

The case became a major political flashpoint and featured prominently in the BJP’s 2025 Delhi election campaign.

With the discharge order now delivered, the legal battle has taken a decisive turn — though the political sparring appears set to intensify.