Arvind Kejriwal’s Statement
During his ongoing Lok Sabha Elections campaign, Arvind Kejriwal claimed that he would avoid jail if voters supported the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and I.N.D.I.A bloc candidate. This statement was made during his roadshows in Delhi and Punjab, while he is out on interim bail.
Amit Shah’s Response
Union Home Minister Amit Shah harshly criticised Kejriwal’s remark, calling it a significant contempt of the Supreme Court. In an interview with ANI, Shah questioned whether electoral outcomes should influence the Supreme Court’s decisions.
Shah on Supreme Court’s Decision
Addressing the Supreme Court’s interim bail to Kejriwal, Shah emphasized that the decision should not be seen as a victory for Kejriwal or AAP. He clarified that the interim bail was not a clean chit, as the chargesheet is still under the Supreme Court’s consideration. Shah remarked that if Kejriwal was confident in his innocence, he should have sought to quash the charges before the Sessions Court.
Kejriwal’s Campaign Claims
Kejriwal has been appealing to voters by suggesting that their support would keep him out of jail. During a roadshow in Amritsar, alongside Bhagwant Mann, he claimed that pressing the ‘Jhaadu’ button (AAP’s symbol) would ensure his freedom, while voting otherwise would result in his incarceration. He also warned that a majority win for the opposition could lead to the end of reservations and the Constitution, potentially leading to dictatorship.
Shah’s Final Remarks
Shah concluded by expressing his belief that voters would remember Kejriwal for his alleged involvement in a liquor scam. He mocked the AAP leader, suggesting that many people would see a large bottle as a symbol of the scandal wherever he goes.
Supreme Court’s Interim Bail
The Supreme Court granted Kejriwal interim bail on May 10, allowing him to continue his election campaign. Shah criticized this decision, implying that many people believe Kejriwal received special treatment from the court.
