Kolkata: The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Friday lauded a Delhi court's decision to discharge Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia in the high-profile excise policy case, characterising the legal victory as an exposure of the BJP's alleged weaponisation of federal agencies.

In a landmark ruling at the Rouse Avenue Court, Special Judge Jitender Singh discharged former Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal and former Deputy CM Sisodia, along with 21 others, after refusing to take cognisance of the CBI’s chargesheet. The court observed that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case, citing a lack of credible evidence to substantiate allegations of criminal conspiracy.

Allegations of Political Vendetta

TMC lawmakers were quick to frame the verdict as proof that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) are being utilised as "political tools" by the central government to dismantle the opposition.

"A fake fabricated case was filed by the BJP to defame opposition leaders who were arrested and mistreated in order to break their will and tarnish their reputation. Yet again, BJP's shameless tactic of using CBI and ED as their political tools stands exposed," TMC MP Saket Gokhale posted on X. He added that "the Modi-Shah Govt will soon fall apart just like these fake cases."

MP Mahua Moitra echoed these sentiments, urging the BJP to learn from the court’s decision. "Satyameva Jayate! BJP learn your lesson while there is still time. All your dirty tricks, your ED, your CBI - all these puppets will die in the face of truth. Congratulations @ArvindKejriwal," she wrote.

Judicial Rejection of CBI Claims

The CBI had been investigating alleged corruption in the formulation and rollout of the AAP government’s now-defunct 2021-22 liquor policy, claiming it was designed to provide undue benefits to private entities in exchange for kickbacks.

However, the special court found the agency's narrative of an "overarching conspiracy" lacked material support. The discharge effectively terminates the trial-stage proceedings for the 23 accused, including BRS leader K. Kavitha, unless the agency successfully appeals the order in a higher court.

The TMC, which has frequently accused the BJP-led Centre of using central agencies to target opposition-ruled states ahead of major elections, hailed the courage of the AAP leaders throughout the ordeal. "Your truth stands vindicated & we salute the courage you showed throughout this entire ordeal," Gokhale added.

With inputs from PTI