The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has sharply criticised Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for celebrating his bail in the liquor policy case, arguing that the Supreme Court's decision does not exonerate him.
The BJP pointed out that while Kejriwal was granted bail, the court upheld his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), highlighting ongoing restrictions on his official duties.
BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi emphasised that the judiciary is impartial and urged Kejriwal to refrain from undermining the legal system. Naqvi expressed frustration over Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) portrayal of the bail as a "victory of truth." He questioned the AAP's inconsistent stance on judicial decisions and urged Kejriwal to accept the court’s ruling and clarify it to the public.
BJP Member of Parliament Manoj Tiwari called for Kejriwal’s resignation, arguing that the court’s affirmation of his arrest was a legal verdict. Tiwari noted that Kejriwal has been in jail for about six months and, with the court’s decision, he should resign on ethical grounds. He added that if Kejriwal genuinely cared about Delhi’s residents, he would have stepped down earlier.
Virendra Sachdeva, President of the BJP’s Delhi unit, also demanded Kejriwal’s resignation. Sachdeva pointed out that the Supreme Court’s restrictions on Kejriwal’s duties, including his inability to visit the Chief Minister’s Office or sign files without clearance, render him unfit for office.
BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia criticised the AAP’s celebration of the bail decision, stating that the BJP has a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. Bhatia drew a comparison with Mamata Banerjee, who had considered resigning under similar circumstances, and argued that Kejriwal should also step down. He questioned whether a person facing serious legal charges should hold a constitutional position.
BJP spokesperson Bansuri Swaraj also condemned the AAP’s portrayal of the bail as a triumph over corruption. Swaraj described the celebrations as misleading, emphasising that the bail was granted after a prolonged trial and did not absolve Kejriwal of the serious charges in the liquor policy scam. She noted that this was the fourth time the courts had upheld Kejriwal’s arrest, reflecting substantial evidence against him.
Ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections on October 5, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini criticised the AAP for being entrenched in corruption and dismissed the impact of Kejriwal’s bail on the elections.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi reiterated that Kejriwal’s bail is conditional and does not equate to acquittal. Joshi reminded that even after being granted bail, individuals like Lalu Prasad Yadav were later convicted, reinforcing the BJP’s confidence in the judiciary.
The strong reactions from BJP leaders underscore their ongoing efforts to pressure Kejriwal to resign amid the corruption allegations. The party remains steadfast in its critique, emphasising the need for accountability and integrity in public office.
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