In a major development, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been granted bail by the Supreme Court in the controversial Delhi Excise Policy case. This marks a significant relief for Kejriwal, who has spent nearly six months in custody. As the head of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Kejriwal’s incarceration brought intense scrutiny to both his political career and Delhi’s governance. The case, centered around allegations of corruption in Delhi’s liquor policy, has deeply shaken the party and posed questions about its future electoral prospects.
Background of the Case
The excise policy at the heart of this case was introduced by the Delhi government in 2021-22, aiming to privatize liquor sales and bring additional revenue to the capital. However, it came under the scanner when allegations surfaced that the policy favored certain companies in exchange for kickbacks. According to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED), these kickbacks were allegedly used by AAP to fund their 2022 Goa Assembly election campaign. The policy was eventually scrapped after these allegations surfaced, but not before several arrests, including that of Kejriwal and his deputy, Manish Sisodia.
The Bail and Conditions
On September 13, 2024, Kejriwal was granted bail by the Supreme Court. This decision came after his lawyer, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, pointed out that several other co-accused, including high-profile politicians like Manish Sisodia and K Kavitha, had already been granted bail. The court imposed a ₹10 lakh bond, barring Kejriwal from making public statements related to the case, and restricted his direct access to his office until further notice. These conditions were put in place to ensure that the case’s investigation would not be influenced.
Impact on Kejriwal’s Political Standing
Kejriwal’s bail brings temporary relief, but it raises serious questions about his political future. While the AAP’s core support base in Delhi has remained largely intact during his imprisonment, there are concerns about the long-term impact on the party’s electoral performance, especially with the 2024 Haryana Assembly elections approaching. AAP has been working on expanding its influence in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat, but the excise policy scandal has dented its image as a corruption-free party. The opposition, particularly the BJP and Congress, have been quick to capitalize on this, portraying AAP as yet another corrupt political entity.
Despite the restrictions imposed by the Supreme Court, Kejriwal’s supporters have hailed the bail as a victory, arguing that the BJP has used central agencies like the CBI and ED to target opposition leaders. AAP’s official social media handles celebrated the decision with slogans like “Satyamev Jayate” (Truth Alone Triumphs), presenting Kejriwal as a victim of political vendetta.
The Road Ahead for AAP and Kejriwal
The excise policy case has undoubtedly damaged Kejriwal’s reputation, but the AAP’s future will depend on how Kejriwal and his team navigate the legal and political challenges ahead. In Haryana, where AAP has been making inroads, this case will likely be a major talking point in the run-up to the elections. Haryana is a key battleground for both the BJP and Congress, and the outcome of the election will reflect how much the scandal has hurt AAP’s credibility.
Moreover, Kejriwal’s ability to govern Delhi effectively under the constraints imposed by the Supreme Court will be closely watched. The AAP government’s governance model, which emphasizes welfare schemes and anti-corruption measures, has been the backbone of its success. However, the lingering cloud of the excise policy scandal may overshadow these achievements.
Conclusion
The bail granted to Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy case is a critical moment in both his personal political journey and AAP’s broader future. While it temporarily removes a significant hurdle, the conditions of his bail and the ongoing investigation could limit his ability to campaign and lead effectively in the short term. As the 2024 general elections and state elections approach, Kejriwal’s resilience, his party’s response to these challenges, and the perception of corruption will shape AAP’s trajectory in Indian politics.
