CHANDIGARH, February 27, 2026 — In a landmark development for Indian politics, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann hailed the court’s decision to discharge Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and senior leader Manish Sisodia in the Delhi excise policy case.
Addressing the media in a video message, CM Mann stated that the verdict officially exposes a “deep-rooted conspiracy” by the BJP-led Union Government to dismantle AAP’s leadership and stall its national growth.
“Truth Triumphs”: Court Verdict Vindicates AAP’s Stand
Chief Minister Mann described the acquittal of Kejriwal and 23 others as a “historic day” for Indian democracy. He emphasized that the case was a desperate attempt by the Centre to suppress a party gaining momentum through its agenda of pro-people governance.
“The order of the court is a testament to the fact that the dark night, however long it is, does end—and the triumph of light is inevitable,” Mann remarked.
Misuse of Central Agencies (CBI & ED)
The Punjab CM launched a scathing attack on the functioning of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), alleging that the agency has been reduced to a “puppet” of the Union Government.
Political Targeting: Mann argued that the Centre used federal agencies to muzzle democratic voices.
Vindication of Honesty: He stated that the discharge proves Arvind Kejriwal’s integrity, countering the “false narratives” built by the BJP.
Questioning Credibility: The CM noted that the court’s decision puts a massive question mark on the evidence—or lack thereof—presented by central investigators.
The “Double Engine” vs. “Patriotism Engine”
Critiquing the BJP’s popular “Double Engine Sarkaar” slogan, Bhagwant Mann argued that India does not need politics built on division or sectarian lines.
India today needs only an engine of patriotism to steer it out of prevailing maladies,” Mann stated, adding that the BJP should focus on improving schools and hospitals rather than freezing election symbols of rivals.
Delhi’s Transformation Under Kejriwal
Mann highlighted the economic and social success of the AAP government in Delhi as the primary reason for the BJP’s “envy.” He pointed out that under Kejriwal’s leadership:
The Delhi annual budget grew from INR 30,000 crore to INR 66,000 crore.
Surplus funds were redirected into Mohalla Clinics and world-class schools.
The “Musical Chairs” of power between Congress and BJP was finally broken.
Conclusion: A Challenge to the Union Government
Issuing a direct challenge to PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, Mann concluded that leaders should win the hearts of the people through work, not through the “tactics of fear.” He reiterated that the AAP remains committed to its mission of serving the common man, regardless of the hurdles placed by the Centre.