Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi and leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has been released from Tihar Jail after spending 50 days in custody on corruption charges related to the alleged liquor policy scam. His release comes following the Supreme Court’s grant of bail until June 1, allowing him to participate in the ongoing election campaign for the AAP and the INDIA bloc.
As he exited Tihar Jail amidst a jubilant reception by AAP workers and leaders like Atishi and Saurabh Bhardwaj, Kejriwal reiterated his commitment to fighting against what he termed as “dictatorship.” Expressing gratitude to the Supreme Court judges and supporters, he emphasized the need to save the country from authoritarianism.
Kejriwal’s release is seen as a significant development ahead of the Delhi elections scheduled for May 25. He plans to leverage his bail period to engage in campaign activities, rallying support for his party and its candidates.
The court’s decision to grant bail was preceded by intense legal proceedings, with arguments challenging Kejriwal’s arrest and calls for extended relief. The bench acknowledged his status as an elected Chief Minister and a national party leader, highlighting the exceptional circumstances surrounding the case.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED), which had opposed bail for Kejriwal, argued that no politician should receive special treatment and that releasing him for campaigning would set an adverse precedent. However, the court’s decision to grant bail emphasized the absence of criminal antecedents and the principle of innocence until proven guilty.
The BJP, in response to Kejriwal’s release, downplayed the significance, noting that he would have to return to jail after his bail period ends. The BJP has been critical of the AAP’s alleged involvement in the Delhi liquor policy scam, accusing them of misusing funds for election campaigns.
The allegations against Kejriwal and the AAP revolve around kickbacks received under the liquor policy, a claim vehemently denied by the party. The political landscape remains charged as parties gear up for the final phases of the election, with Kejriwal’s release injecting new energy into the campaign dynamics.
Sources By Agencies
