Arvind Kejriwal Released from Tihar Jail: Vows to Continue Fight Against ‘Dictatorship’
New Delhi, 11th May 2024: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal emerged from Tihar Jail on Friday, following the Supreme Court’s decision to grant him interim bail until June 1. Accompanied by his wife Sunita Kejriwal, his daughter Harshita, and senior AAP leaders including Bhagwant Mann, Atishi, Saurabh Bhardwaj, and Sandeep Pathak, Kejriwal left the jail premises.
Addressing AAP workers and supporters from the sunroof of a car, Kejriwal expressed gratitude to the people for their support and thanked the Supreme Court judges for granting him bail. He emphasized the need to unite against dictatorship, pledging to continue his fight against it.
Kejriwal announced plans to visit the Hanuman Temple at Connaught Place on Saturday morning to pay his respects before holding a press conference at the party office.
Upon returning home later in the evening, Kejriwal received a traditional welcome, with garlands from his parents and his mother performing an aarti.
At the AAP office, supporters celebrated the Supreme Court’s decision with dhol beats, dancing, and sharing sweets. AAP leaders hailed Kejriwal’s release as a sign of impending change in the country.
Kejriwal’s first roadshow is scheduled for May 11 in South Delhi, alongside Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. His release from jail is expected to energize AAP’s campaign in Delhi ahead of the May 25 polling.
Political leaders across parties welcomed the court’s decision, seeing it as a victory for democracy. However, the BJP maintained that Kejriwal’s interim bail did not absolve him of the allegations against him in the alleged multi-crore liquor scam.
The Supreme Court granted Kejriwal conditional bail, allowing him to campaign for the Lok Sabha elections but requiring him to surrender and return to jail on June 2. The court imposed various restrictions, including barring him from visiting his office or signing official files unless necessary for obtaining the lieutenant governor’s approval. Kejriwal must also furnish bail bonds of Rs 50,000 with one surety to the satisfaction of the jail superintendent.
