Acquittal of Kejriwal, Sisodia a Blow to BJP and Congress's Misuse of Power: CM Pinarayi Vijayan

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said that the acquittal of former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in the Delhi liquor policy case represents a setback to what he described as the Central government’s misuse of power to target political opponents.

In a statement, he said the trial court’s verdict was a blow not only to BJP but also to the Indian National Congress, stating that the Congress had aided the BJP with political motives in the case.

He claimed that the judgment effectively questions attempts to destabilise non-BJP state governments through the use of central investigative agencies. The Chief Minister further stated that the court had made strong observations regarding the role of CBI, particularly in relation to allegations made without sufficient evidence.

The CM added that the BJP government had used investigative agencies for political advantage and sought to weaken the Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi. He also accused the Congress of initially triggering the controversy, stating that in June 2022 the then Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee president had approached the Delhi Police, which functions under the Union Home Ministry, alleging corruption in the liquor policy.

He further noted that when Sisodia was arrested by central agencies, Congress leaders had welcomed the move and demanded action against Kejriwal as well. Pinarayi Vijayan said that complaints raised by Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit were used by the Delhi Lieutenant Governor against the Aam Aadmi Party government. He described the Congress as having acted in alignment with the BJP in opposing the Delhi government.

Following the court verdict, the Chief Minister spoke to Kejriwal over the phone.