Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, fresh from his release from Tihar Jail after being granted interim bail by the Supreme Court, is set to visit the Hanuman Temple at Connaught Place today. Kejriwal’s visit comes after spending over 50 days in jail following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with an excise policy case on March 21. The timing of his release coincides with the ongoing election fervor in the capital.
Kejriwal, the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), is also scheduled to address the media later today at the AAP office in Delhi. He will then participate in a roadshow in South Delhi in the evening, engaging with supporters and rallying for his party ahead of the general elections.
Upon his release on interim bail until June 1, with a requirement to surrender on June 2, Kejriwal reiterated his commitment to his supporters. “I had promised to come back soon, here I am,” he said, expressing gratitude to his well-wishers and thanking the Supreme Court for his release. He urged people to unite against what he termed as “dictatorship” and emphasized the need for collective action to safeguard democracy.
His wife, Sunita Kejriwal, hailed the bail as a victory for democracy, attributing it to the prayers and blessings of millions. Meanwhile, opposition parties, particularly those in the INDIA bloc, welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed happiness over Kejriwal’s interim bail, noting its significance amidst ongoing elections. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also welcomed the decision, emphasizing the importance of due process.
However, BJP leaders criticized the opposition’s stance, asserting that Kejriwal’s bail doesn’t imply innocence. Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva emphasized that the interim bail was for campaigning purposes until June 1 and reiterated BJP’s confidence in winning all seven seats in Delhi.
Supreme Court lawyer Shadan Farasat, representing Kejriwal, clarified that the bail order is operable until June 2, with no restrictions on his election campaigning. Kejriwal is expected to actively participate in AAP’s election campaigns leading up to the general elections in Delhi scheduled for May 25.
Kejriwal’s visit to the Hanuman Temple holds symbolic significance, especially in the context of his recent incarceration and release. It underscores his resilience and the political implications of his actions. As he resumes his public engagements, Kejriwal aims to energize his party’s base and rally support for the upcoming elections, amidst both praise and criticism from political adversaries.
