Following the release of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal from Tihar jail due to relief granted by the Supreme Court in the Delhi excise policy case, Fawad Chaudhry, the former Minister of Information and Broadcasting for Pakistan, replied, describing it as yet another blow to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On the social media platform X, Chaudhry expressed his opinions by writing, “Modi G Lost another battle #Kejriwal released… good news for moderate India.”
Chaudhry’s response was prompted by Kejriwal’s release from jail on March 21, 2024, having been detained for more than 50 days in relation to the Delhi excise policy case by the Directorate of Enforcement. Kejriwal has been granted provisional release until June 1st, subject to restrictions that forbid him from going to the Delhi Secretariat or the Office of the Chief Minister.
Expressing concern about the rule of law situation in his country, Chaudhry highlighted the need for civil society, bar associations, media organizations, and human rights organizations to take action. He posted on X, “As a result of the historic stand of the judges of Islamabad, the judiciary has stood up, the problem is civil society, bar associations, media organizations, human rights organizations have completely sat down. The future of the Rule of Law is at stake.”
A large crowd of supporters gathered outside Tihar jail to welcome the Chief Minister upon his release. Kejriwal was accompanied by his wife Sunita Kejriwal, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, party leaders Atishi and Saurabh Bhardwaj, and AAP general secretary Sandeep Pathak. After his release, the Chief Minister proceeded to his official residence.
In addition to interim bail, Kejriwal must provide bail bonds worth Rs 50,000 and one surety of the same amount to the satisfaction of the Jail Superintendent. He is also barred from visiting the Office of the Chief Minister and the Delhi Secretariat.
In recent months, Fawad Chaudhry has remained vocal about developments in Indian politics and the ongoing Lok Sabha Elections. Earlier, he praised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his party’s promise to conduct a wealth redistribution survey if voted to power, drawing comparisons between Gandhi and his great-grandfather, Jawaharlal Nehru.
Following Chaudhry’s praise for Rahul Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded, suggesting a “partnership” between Pakistan and Congress. Addressing a public rally in Gujarat’s Anand, Modi remarked on Pakistani leaders’ support for Congress and their desire to see Rahul Gandhi become prime minister.