Kejriwal Granted Bail: Mann and AAP Hail 'Victory of Democracy'

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann welcomed Arvind Kejriwal upon his release from jail after the Supreme Court granted him bail in the Delhi excise policy case. Mann emphasized that it was a victory for democracy. AAP plans to contest Haryana assembly polls with full force.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday arrived at the Aam Admi Party (AAP) office in the national capital to welcome Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who was released following the Supreme Court's decision to grant him bail in the Delhi excise policy case. 'It is the victory of democracy. We had believed that there was nothing in this case. Everyone is coming out (of jail),' Punjab CM told ANI on his way to the AAP Office.

Discussing AAP's plans to contest the Haryana assembly polls, CM Mann said, 'We will contest with full might. We will get a big force,' commenting on the impact Kejriwal's release would have. Mann added, 'That BJP can say anything. No credibility.'

The Supreme Court earlier in the day granted bail to the Delhi CM, emphasizing that prolonged incarceration amounts to unjust deprivation of liberty. The court added certain conditions to Kejriwal's release, including no public comments on the case and mandatory presence at all trial hearings unless exempted. AAP hailed it as a significant victory for the party and the nation, dubbing the SC's decision the 'victory of truth.'

Addressing a press conference in Delhi, AAP National General Secretary (Organisations) Sandeep Pathak said, 'This is a huge day, not just for the party, but for the whole nation and every person who has faith in the republic and judicial process. This is the victory of the truth and I hope this remains the same in the future also. We welcome the court's decision.' However, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) mocked the Delhi CM, saying that the 'jail wala' CM has become a 'bail wala' CM now.

'The Supreme Court has shown a mirror to 'kattar beimaan' AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal once again. He has got conditional bail. The 'jail wala' CM is now a 'bail wala' CM,' BJP National Spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said at a press conference. Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21, 2024, in connection with a money laundering case related to the now-cancelled Delhi excise policy 2021-22. On June 26, 2024, Kejriwal was arrested by CBI while in ED custody in the excise case. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)