Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced his intention to surrender before authorities as his interim bail, granted by the Supreme Court in a Delhi liquor policy case, expires. He stated, “The day after tomorrow, I will leave my house around 3 pm to surrender. We are fighting against tyranny, and if I have to sacrifice my life for the country, do not mourn.”
During a press conference, Kejriwal expressed concerns about his health, citing a significant deterioration during his 50-day imprisonment, resulting in a substantial weight loss and ongoing health issues. He mentioned being denied medication for diabetes while in jail and shared, “I was in jail for 50 days, and in those 50 days, I lost 6 kilos… Even after being released, I have not regained my weight.”
Despite his health challenges, Kejriwal emphasized that the welfare of the people of Delhi remains his top priority. He assured that essential services and initiatives such as free electricity, Mohalla clinics, hospitals, free medicines, and women’s free bus travel would continue uninterrupted. He stated, “Even though I won’t be among you, do not worry. All your work will continue.”
Kejriwal also made an emotional appeal for the well-being of his elderly parents, saying, “My parents are very old… If you pray for my mother daily, she will surely remain healthy.”
Arvind Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 by the Enforcement Directorate in a corruption case related to the now-scrapped Delhi liquor policy. The agency alleges that Kejriwal played a key role in drafting the policy and seeking bribes for liquor licenses, with kickbacks of Rs. 100 crore allegedly used to fund AAP’s election campaigns in Goa and Punjab.
The AAP and Kejriwal have denied all charges, labeling the arrest and case as “political vendetta” ahead of the election. The arrest also sparked a political confrontation between the ruling BJP and the opposition INDIA bloc, led by the Congress, of which AAP is a member.