Amid Congress suspicion, party leader Margaret Alva congratulates Arvind Kejriwal on discharge in excise case

Her comments came even as Congress said the court order in favour of Kejriwal was a "predictable script" from the BJP.

New Delhi: Amid Congress viewing relief for Arvind Kejriwal in liquor scam case as part of a BJP ploy, two of its senior leaders Abhishek Singhvi and Margaret on Friday contradicted the party by congratulating the AAP chief, calling the case by probe agencies acting as the "BJP's in-house musclemen" as "false"

Their comments came even as Congress said the court order in favour of Kejriwal was a "predictable script" from the BJP and proceedings against its convenient "allies" in the AAP and others will "quietly vanish" in light of the Gujarat and Punjab elections.

Singhvi, the Congress' Law, Human Rights and RTI Department Chairman who argued on behalf of Kejriwal, said on 'X', "the discharge of Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia by the court is a telling reminder that in a democracy, allegations cannot substitute evidence. Institutions must act with fairness, not fervour. Rule of law must prevail over rule by insinuation."

After Kejriwal thanked him, Singhvi again took to 'X' to say, "many thanks to...Kejriwal for remembering me in his opening remarks at his presser. The court has punctured the ridiculous claims of prosecuting agencies egged on by micromanaging Political Masters who act as master puppeteers. Amidst such an ambiance of fear and intimidation, for law and justice to emerge victorious is no mean achievement."

Alva, who was also party's Vice Presidential candidate in 2022, posted on 'X', "Congratulations to Arvind Kejriwal on being discharged in the Excise Policy Case. The false cases hoisted on Opposition leaders by investigative agencies serving as the BJP’s in-house musclemen, will all be thrown out by the courts as this one has."

Last week, she had taken a different view on the "shirtless" Youth Congress protest at the India AI Impact Summit, saying there has to be dignity, discipline and a sense of responsibility at international events.

However, she had then said the Congress has always allowed and welcomed diverse points of view, dissent and positive criticism unlike the RSS and the BJP.

"My views on the protest at the AI Conference are personal and do not diminish my unwavering commitment to the Congress Party and its ideology. Beware of political operators masquerading as journalists, who to earn their livelihood & satisfy their puppeteers are attempting to spin a personal opinion into complex political drama," she said.