Kejriwal to Surrender as Bail Ends in Liquor Policy Case

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced that he would surrender at 3 pm on Sunday, as the Supreme Court’s interim bail granted to him in a Delhi liquor policy case ends. At a press conference, 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.”

Kejriwal revealed that his health deteriorated during his 50-day imprisonment, resulting in significant weight loss and ongoing health issues, including the denial of diabetes medication. He 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,” adding that doctors are now concerned about his health.

Despite these challenges, he emphasized that the welfare of Delhi’s people 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. “Even though I won’t be among you, do not worry. All your work will continue,” he said. “I may not be with you physically, but your work will not stop.”

Kejriwal also made an emotional appeal for the well-being of his elderly parents, urging the public to keep them in their prayers. “My parents are very old… If you pray for my mother daily, she will surely remain healthy,” he said.

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 soliciting bribes or kickbacks for liquor licenses, claiming that the AAP received ₹100 crore in kickbacks used to fund election campaigns in Goa and Punjab. The AAP and Kejriwal have denied all charges, calling the case “political vendetta,” coming just weeks before the election. This arrest has intensified the political dispute between the ruling BJP and the opposition INDIA bloc, led by the Congress, of which AAP is a member.