Sibal Reproaches Kejriwal’s Charges on Gandhi Family

Kapil Sibal, senior advocate and Raj ya Sabha Member of Parliament, struck a measured yet pointed response to remarks made by Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal concerning the National Herald case. Kejriwal had characterised the case as “open-and-shut”, asserting that while AAP’s leaders faced arrest in what he described as “absolutely fake cases”, no member of the Gandhi family had ever been imprisoned. Sibal took to X to counsel restraint, reminding Kejriwal that he had extended apologies in court when previously accused of making allegations, and urging an end to the public sparring: “Stop the bickering. Let’s together fight the larger battle.”

Kejriwal, in his address, alleged a collusive relationship between Congress and the BJP, suggesting such ties shielded Congress leaders from accountability in major corruption cases like National Herald. He cited the discontinuation of high-profile prosecutions such as the 2G and coal scams, and referenced supposed targeting of AAP leaders while alleging that no one from the Gandhi family had faced jail time in relation to the National Herald proceedings.

Beyond these accusations, Kejriwal pointed to ongoing raids by the Enforcement Directorate, including one at the residence of former Delhi minister Saurabh Bhardwaj, alleging that they formed part of a concerted effort to undermine his party. He portrayed AAP’s stance as principled, vowing to resist political compromise and remain committed to what he characterised as a greater national cause.

Kapil Sibal’s rebuttal emphasised propriety and focus. He reminded Kejriwal of his own recorded apology in court—when the latter had faced litigation for remarks he made—and questioned the rationale behind his current course: why target the Gandhis now, after having withdrawn similar allegations under judicial pressure? Sibal’s message sought to recalibrate the narrative, steering away from factional wrangling.

The National Herald case itself remains unresolved in a Delhi court, initiated by a complaint from Subramanian Swamy against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. The case revolves around allegations of criminal misappropriation involving Associated Journals Limited and Young Indian, with concerns related to property and financial transactions dating back several years. Most recently, the Enforcement Directorate filed charges against key individuals in April 2025, highlighting its ongoing role in the investigation.

At the heart of this exchange lies a broader struggle over narrative and credibility. Kejriwal’s framing casts AAP as a principled challenger facing institutional bias, while Sibal’s response seeks to shift attention to what he terms a more urgent collective mission—eschewing infighting. The confrontation illuminates the tensions within Indian political discourse, where legal developments often intersect with wider battles over public perception and strategic positioning.