CHANDIGARH, February 28, 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann declared Friday a “historic day for Indian politics” following the court’s decision to discharge AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and senior leader Manish Sisodia in the excise policy case. In a video message, the Chief Minister affirmed that the verdict vindicates the party’s long-standing position that central investigative agencies have been utilized as “puppets” to target political rivals.
The Chief Minister maintained that the case was a desperate attempt by the Union government to stall the Aam Aadmi Party’s national growth. He stated that the discharge of all 23 accused proves the allegations were fabricated. “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 there,” Mann asserted.
Mann noted that the BJP-led government had targeted the party’s entire decision-making team in an effort to influence the Delhi elections. He stated that the judicial outcome has put a serious question mark on the working of the CBI, asserting that the agency’s actions were a “blatant misuse” of power intended to muzzle the voice of democracy.
The Chief Minister further declared that the traditional political parties are envious of AAP’s success in setting an agenda focused on the common man. He maintained that the “musical chairs” of power previously played by traditional parties was disrupted by AAP’s rise. Mann affirmed that “Arvind Kejriwal is an honest man who rules the hearts of people because he speaks the truth.”
Concluding his message, Mann issued a challenge to the Union leadership to win the hearts of the people through work rather than divisive tactics. He stated that the country does not need “double or triple engine” politics built on division, but rather an “engine of patriotism” to steer the nation forward. He affirmed that the variety of cultures in India is like a bouquet of flowers, and any attempt to create monotony through hate is fatal for democracy.
