Kejriwal’s acquittal may reshape Opposition politics

The acquittal of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal and several other party leaders in the liquor scam case could mark a fresh turning point in Opposition politics.

- AJIT MAINDOL

The verdict comes at a time when Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was attempting to position himself at the forefront of the Opposition, targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and drawing significant media attention. The political equation may now shift.

Kejriwal is likely to reemerge as a contender for Opposition space and visibility. His acquittal has come at a moment when the Congress appeared to face little internal challenge within the broader Opposition. That dynamic may now change.

The bitterness between the Congress and the AAP, which intensified during the Delhi Assembly elections last year, continues. The AAP had even alleged that the Congress colluded with the BJP to defeat it. In the evolving political scenario, the Congress could find itself increasingly isolated.

Kejriwal maintains cordial ties with several Opposition leaders, including Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar and leaders of the Left parties. Many among them have not been fully comfortable with Rahul Gandhi’s leadership. Mamata Banerjee, in particular, has not publicly endorsed his leadership. Kejriwal, too, has harboured national ambitions and sought to project himself as a key Opposition face.