Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The Congress party on Friday clarified that the bail granted by the Supreme Court to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the alleged Delhi liquor scam is “just bail” and not a “clean chit.” Congress spokesperson Alok Sharma emphasized that the court’s decision is part of the judicial process and does not imply acquittal from the charges.
“Right now, it’s just bail; no clean chit has been given. The final verdict is still pending,” Sharma told PTI, responding to the bail granted to Kejriwal, who had been in jail since March 21 in connection with a corruption case filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
While Kejriwal has been granted bail, the Supreme Court imposed restrictions, barring him from visiting his office or signing any official files without the approval of Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena.
Opposition Leaders Welcome Kejriwal’s Bail
Several opposition leaders welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision. National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah commented, “Coming out of jail is only through the court, not through votes.” Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav also expressed relief at the bail but highlighted the broader issue of government agencies being used to target opposition figures.
Yadav called for an impartial investigation and congratulated Kejriwal’s family and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supporters. Meanwhile, Delhi minister and AAP leader Atishi criticized the CBI and ED for arresting AAP leaders without sufficient evidence, noting that the Supreme Court also questioned the CBI’s actions.
BJP Calls for Kejriwal’s Resignation
In contrast, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanded Kejriwal’s resignation following the bail decision. BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj pointed out that the CBI had sufficient evidence to justify Kejriwal’s arrest, noting the court’s restrictions barring him from office duties as evidence of his involvement in the liquor scam.
Swaraj reiterated that the Supreme Court had previously suggested Kejriwal should resign on moral grounds and criticized him as a “careless CM of a careless government.”
