Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi’s Chief Minister and leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), was released from Tihar Jail on Friday evening following a Supreme Court decision to grant him bail until June 1.
Arvind Kejriwal had been arrested in March over allegations related to a liquor policy scam. The bail will allow him to campaign for both his party and the opposition INDIA bloc in the ongoing 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
बब्बर शेर की दहाड़
मैंने कहा था मैं जल्दी आऊंगा, आ गया।
सबसे पहले मैं हनुमान जी के चरणों में वंदना करना चाहता हूं, हनुमान जी के आशीर्वाद से आप सबके बीच हूँ
हम सबको मिलकर तानाशाही से देश को बचाना है, मैं तन मन धन से लड़ रहा हूं और तानाशाही से संघर्ष कर रहा हूं 140 करोड़ लोगों… pic.twitter.com/k074JFQT7J
— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) May 10, 2024
As he exited through Gate No 4, Kejriwal was greeted by a crowd of AAP supporters waving flags and chanting slogans. Among those present were his wife Sunita Kejriwal and senior party figures like Atishi and Saurabh Bhardwaj, who had taken on public roles in his absence. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was also in attendance.
In his first remarks after release, Arvind Kejriwal expressed gratitude to the Supreme Court judges, emphasising the need to protect the country from dictatorship, especially with the Delhi elections approaching on May 25.
He said, “I want to thank all of you… you gave me your blessings. I want to thank the judges of the Supreme Court, it is because of them that I am in front of you. We have to save the country from dictatorship.”
He added, “It is a pleasure to be back. Didn’t I tell you I will be back soon? I’m back.”
Also Read: Big relief for Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, SC grants interim bail till June 1
Kejriwal credited his release to divine intervention, mentioning plans to visit a Hanuman temple in Delhi the next morning. His bail will extend until June 1, coinciding with the final phase of the multi-stage Lok Sabha elections. Following this, he is required to report back to Tihar Jail.
The Supreme Court’s decision to grant bail was based on considerations of Kejriwal’s position as a Chief Minister and a key leader of a national party. The court emphasised that he does not pose a threat and is not a habitual offender.
Despite objections from investigating agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the court underscored the importance of public interest and the electoral process in granting this relief.
The ED had opposed the bail of Arvind Kejriwal, arguing against a special status for politicians and cautioning against setting a precedent by granting bail for campaign purposes. The ED’s allegations are tied to a Delhi liquor policy that purportedly involved kickbacks for license allotments, allegations that Kejriwal and AAP vehemently deny.
Kejriwal’s release marks a significant moment in the ongoing political landscape, with his return setting the stage for intensified campaigning ahead of the final phases of the national elections.
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