Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is set to return to prison on June 2 after being out on interim bail for three weeks, has stated resolutely that his spirits remain unbroken and he will not resign from his position, even under torture. Kejriwal’s bold declarations come amidst serious allegations and a contentious legal battle surrounding the Delhi liquor policy case.
Interim Bail and Return to Jail
Arvind Kejriwal leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), was released from Delhi’s Tihar Jail on May 10 following the Supreme Court’s decision to grant him interim bail. This temporary reprieve was intended to allow him to campaign for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. However, the court mandated that he surrender to the jail authorities on June 2, just a day after the final phase of polling. Kejriwal had been arrested on March 21 by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) over allegations of money laundering linked to the Delhi liquor policy case.
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In a virtual press conference on Friday, Kejriwal expressed pride in his impending return to jail, framing it as a stand against dictatorship. “It is possible they may torture me more, but I will not bow down,” he declared, emphasizing his commitment to his political cause. He described his prison experience as an attempt to break his spirit, noting that his medications were withheld, leading to significant health issues, including a six-kilogram weight loss.
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Health Concerns and Legal Battles
Arvind Kejriwal’s health has been a focal point in his recent public appearances. He hinted that his weight loss could signify a serious underlying condition, as advised by his doctors, who recommended several medical tests, including a positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) scan. However, the Supreme Court registry declined to urgently list his plea for a seven-day extension of his interim bail to conduct these tests.
On Thursday, Arvind Kejriwal filed two petitions in the Delhi court, seeking regular bail and a seven-day interim bail extension on medical grounds. Special judge Kaveri Baweja of the Rouse Avenue Court has requested the ED’s response to both petitions, with the case scheduled for a hearing on June 1.
Allegations and Investigations
The ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have accused Kejriwal and his administration of corruption in the Delhi liquor policy case. The allegations suggest that the AAP government altered the liquor policy to increase the commission for wholesalers from 5% to 12%, facilitating the receipt of bribes. The central agencies have painted Kejriwal as the “kingpin” and “key conspirator” in the alleged money laundering scheme.
Arvind Kejriwal’s Public Appeal and Resilience
In an emotional appeal during his press conference, Kejriwal asked the public to support his family during his incarceration. He announced a forthcoming Rs 1000 honorarium scheme for women, reassuring Delhi residents that public services would continue without disruption during his absence.
Kejriwal recounted the adversities he faced in jail, including the cessation of his insulin injections, which he requires four times daily due to his 20-year battle with diabetes. This neglect caused his blood sugar levels to spike dangerously, compounding his health issues and contributing to significant weight loss. Despite these hardships, Kejriwal remains resolute in his commitment to his political mission.
मुझे परसों सरेंडर करना है। माननीय सुप्रीम कोर्ट का बहुत-बहुत शुक्रिया। https://t.co/1uaCMKWFhV
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) May 31, 2024
Despite the severe allegations and the daunting prospect of returning to jail, Arvind Kejriwal remains unyielding. His statements reflect a profound commitment to his political mission and a refusal to succumb to pressure. As the legal proceedings continue, the impact of these events on Delhi’s political landscape and Kejriwal’s future remains uncertain. Nonetheless, his defiant stance and the support of his followers underscore a broader struggle against what he perceives as an encroaching dictatorship.
