A day after receiving conditional bail from the Supreme Court in the ongoing liquor policy case, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is set to visit the Hanuman Temple in Connaught Place on Saturday. The visit is seen as a moment of reflection and gratitude following his release from Tihar Jail on Friday.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief announced his visit via social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Today at 12 noon, I will go to Hanuman Temple at Connaught Place to thank God and seek his blessings.” He is expected to be accompanied by senior AAP leaders and workers during this temple visit.
A Symbolic Temple Visit After Bail
Kejriwal’s visit to the temple comes in the wake of his release from jail, following the Supreme Court’s conditional grant of bail in the much-publicised liquor policy case. The court has placed several restrictions on the Delhi CM, including barring him from commenting on the case or accessing official files related to it.
Despite the legal limitations, the Delhi CM expressed renewed determination to serve the nation and continue his work. In a defiant statement after his release, Kejriwal thundered that no prison could shackle his spirit. He further asserted that his commitment to fighting what he referred to as “anti-India forces” has only intensified during his time in jail.
Party Gathering and Speculated Election Announcement
Following his temple visit, the AAP National Convenor is expected to head directly to the AAP headquarters. There, he is set to address party leaders and workers, many of whom had gathered in the rain outside Tihar Jail to greet him upon his release.
While Kejriwal’s address will focus on the party’s roadmap in the near future, it is widely speculated that he may use the platform to discuss his plans for the upcoming Haryana elections. Given the Delhi CM’s strong political base in northern India, this election could represent a major battleground for AAP, and his Saturday address may offer more clarity on his strategy going forward.
Restrictions and Ongoing Legal Battle
Though Kejriwal is back on the streets, his powers as Chief Minister have been significantly curtailed by the Supreme Court. According to the conditions set by the court, Kejriwal will need the approval of the Lieutenant Governor to sign any official files or visit the Secretariat. Additionally, he is prohibited from publicly commenting on the merits of the liquor policy case and interacting with any witnesses.
Despite these restrictions, the AAP chief remained upbeat in his public remarks. “I have been fighting the anti-India forces, and today I vow to step up this fight with greater intensity than before,” he declared.
Kejriwal’s return to public life, however, does not mean his legal battle is over. The liquor policy case continues to loom large, with the court’s conditional bail indicating that more courtroom drama lies ahead.
A Jubilant Return
As the rain poured down on Friday, hundreds of AAP workers and leaders gathered outside Tihar Jail to welcome their leader upon his release. They cheered, chanted slogans of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ and ‘Vande Mataram’, and celebrated the occasion with an air of optimism. The party’s supporters appeared reinvigorated, taking Kejriwal’s release as a moment of resurgence for AAP amidst a politically challenging time.
Looking Ahead
Kejriwal’s release comes at a critical juncture for AAP, with crucial political battles on the horizon. While the immediate focus remains on his conditional bail and the ongoing liquor policy case, the Delhi CM’s appearance at the party’s headquarters is expected to set the tone for his next steps in both his legal fight and political campaign.
The upcoming address will not only provide a morale boost to his supporters but will also be keenly watched for potential announcements concerning AAP’s role in the Haryana elections and beyond. Kejriwal’s defiance and resilience, even in the face of legal adversity, signal that he is prepared for the challenges ahead, both in the courtroom and at the ballot box.