In a significant development, the Supreme Court granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday in the Delhi Excise Policy case. The bail has sparked a wave of optimism among Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, especially in Haryana, where assembly elections are on the horizon.
AAP Haryana Chief Sushil Gupta expressed strong confidence in the party’s chances of forming the government in Haryana. Speaking to ANI, Gupta said, “There is a lot of enthusiasm among the public. Celebrations are being held everywhere. This is a big slap on the BJP’s face, and truth has emerged victorious. AAP will form the government in Haryana.”
Punjab Minister Balbir Singh echoed this sentiment, calling Kejriwal’s bail a “huge morale booster” for the party’s electoral prospects in Haryana. “This is a ‘David vs. Goliath’ situation, and today ‘Goliath’ has emerged victorious. They cannot break Arvind Kejriwal. This is the victory of truth,” he added.
Welcoming the Supreme Court’s decision, Punjab Minister Anmol Gagan Maan remarked that Kejriwal’s release represents the “victory of honesty.” She added, “There is a wave of happiness in the entire nation. We thank the Supreme Court. The candidates for the Haryana assembly elections will be filled with enthusiasm.”
Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21, 2024, as part of a money laundering probe linked to alleged irregularities in the now-scrapped Delhi Excise Policy for 2021-22. His bail, while celebrated by supporters, comes with restrictions, including being barred from entering the Chief Minister’s office or signing official files.