NEW DELHI: India’s top court gave temporary bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a graft case on Friday, allowing him to campaign in the ongoing general elections, boosting the opposition alliance of which he is a prominent figure.
The Supreme Court said Kejriwal — a fierce critic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi — would be out on bail until June 1, the last day of the nationwide seven-phase vote, and would have to return to pre-trial detention on June 2.
India started voting on April 19, with elections for over half of the 543 parliamentary seats completed after the third phase on May 7.
Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party governs the National Capital Territory, including New Delhi, and Punjab. Voters will cast their ballots on May 25 and June 1.
Votes will be counted on June 4 and results are expected to be announced the same day.
“This is the victory of democracy,” Kejriwal’s wife Sunita posted on X after the court order.
AAP members celebrated with drumming, dancing, and slogans praising Kejriwal and criticizing Modi. They gathered outside the party office in the capital.
Moreover, it highlights the resilience of India’s democratic institutions in the face of political tensions. As the election campaign unfolds, observers closely watch Modi critic Kejriwal’s role as a prominent opposition figure. His ability to harness public sentiment and translate it into electoral gains may shape the political landscape.
Additionally, his campaign strategies and messaging will influence voter perceptions and preferences in the run-up to the elections.
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