Lok Sabha elections 2024: A shot in the arm for INDI Alliance as Supreme Court frees Kejriwal temporarily

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been granted interim bail by the Supreme Court following his arrest last month in the liquor policy case. The apex court's decision allows Kejriwal to continue his political activities until his scheduled surrender on June 2.

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The Supreme Court, while delivering the ruling, emphasized that the timing of Kejriwal's arrest, whether before or after the 21-day period, would make no difference. The court underscored that Kejriwal must surrender by June 2, affirming that the bail is temporary in nature.

The court's decision is seen as a significant boost for the INDI Alliance, allowing Kejriwal to actively campaign for alliance candidates despite three phases of elections already being completed. Kejriwal is expected to capitalize on his arrest, portraying it as vindictiveness on the part of Prime Minister Modi.

Acknowledging the court's intervention, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Aditya Thackeray expressed confidence that Kejriwal's bail will have a positive impact in the ongoing electoral context. They highlighted the accessibility of the judiciary in ensuring justice.

Meanwhile, the BJP downplayed the significance of the interim bail, noting that Kejriwal's eventual return on June 2 is inevitable. The party emphasized the temporary nature of the bail and maintained that legal proceedings will continue as scheduled.