Harshad Patel
On Friday, India’s Supreme Court granted bail to Arvind Kejriwal, the chief minister of New Delhi and a prominent opposition leader. Kejriwal, who was arrested nearly six months ago on charges of accepting bribes from a liquor distributor, had been detained just weeks before the national elections.
His arrest sparked significant controversy and accusations of political maneuvering aimed at weakening his position and that of his party, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
The decision to grant bail was made by Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan, who cited the anticipated length of the trial as a key factor in their ruling. The court’s action allowed Kejriwal to be released from Tihar prison, where he had been held. Following his release, Kejriwal addressed his supporters, expressing his belief that the arrest was part of a political conspiracy and that his resolve had only been strengthened.
Kejriwal’s return to freedom was marked by a celebratory atmosphere among his supporters, who greeted him with firecrackers and party flags. Despite the bail, political tensions remain high. Leaders from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have cautioned that Kejriwal has not been acquitted and continues to face corruption charges.
BJP lawmaker Manoj Tiwari has even called for Kejriwal’s resignation as Delhi’s chief minister, highlighting the conditions placed on his bail, including restrictions on meeting witnesses and making certain decisions without the governor’s approval.
The timing of Kejriwal’s arrest has been criticized by opposition parties as a deliberate strategy to undermine their electoral challenge. The arrest came amid a broader pattern of raids and investigations targeting opposition figures in the lead-up to the elections. The AAP and its allies have condemned these actions as misuse of federal agencies for political gains.
With Kejriwal’s release, the AAP faces renewed momentum as it prepares for upcoming elections in New Delhi. Founded in 2012 by Kejriwal, the party has built its platform on anti-corruption and governance reforms.
The bail decision could energize his base and strengthen his party’s position in the forthcoming electoral battles, continuing his fight against what he and his supporters view as corrupt practices in Indian politics.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings