In a consequential turn of events, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, in response to the Supreme Court's decision to grant interim bail to his Delhi counterpart and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal, promptly altered his plans on Friday. Canceling his scheduled Lok Sabha election campaign in Gurdaspur, Mann hastily made his way to Delhi, recognizing the significance of the moment for his party and the political landscape at large.
Mann swiftly redirected his itinerary to prioritize the emerging situation in the nation's capital. His originally planned roadshow in Kalanaur, Gurdaspur, was promptly set aside as he made arrangements to travel to Delhi.
It has been learnt that the Chief Minister promptly took a flight from Amritsar to Delhi to welcome Kejriwal, whose was released from Tihar Jail in the evening.
Reacting on the development, Mann declared that the AAP will now intensify its fight to safeguard democracy. Reiterating that Arvind Kejriwal is an ideology, Mann declared, “We shall now progress with increased momentum. Inquilab Zindabad”.
Looking ahead, AAP's electoral strategy is expected to evolve in response to Kejriwal's release, with a renewed focus on engaging with voters and amplifying the party's message of inclusive governance and social justice. The battleground of Punjab's electoral arena is set to witness a spirited contest, with AAP emerging as a formidable force, emboldened by the return of its leader and the promise of a new chapter in the state's political narrative.
Boost to AAP’s campaign
The impact of Kejriwal's bail transcends mere legal relief…it signifies a renewed vigour in Punjab's political arena and sets the stage for an intensified electoral battle. As AAP prepares to harness this momentum, the coming days are poised to witness heightened activity and spirited campaigning across the State, shaping the narrative of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
In Punjab, where political dynamics have often been turbulent and closely contested, Kejriwal's release injected a new dimension into the electoral landscape. AAP's aspirations to consolidate its presence in the state are buoyed by the support and enthusiasm generated by Kejriwal's leadership.
With Kejriwal's release from jail until June 1 — the date of polling in Punjab, which is part of the seventh and final phase of elections — the INDIA bloc leaders are elated. Kejriwal had been unable to campaign in the past three phases of polling due to his incarceration. Party leaders anticipate that Kejriwal's freedom will inject momentum into AAP's campaign in Punjab.
While Kejriwal's wife, Sunita, was slated to campaign in Punjab, her plans were put on hold pending the Supreme Court's decision on Kejriwal's bail.
However, four phases of polling remain, and Kejriwal will now be able to campaign for all four phases. Notably, the Lok Sabha election results will be announced on June 4, and on June 2, Kejriwal will need to surrender himself to Tihar Jail again.
Nonetheless, following his release from Tihar Jail, Kejriwal is expected to campaign for AAP candidates not only in Delhi, but also in Punjab and in Haryana. A schedule is being set by the party for this purpose.
Notably, AAP is contesting elections on total of 22 Lok Sabha seats across India. Even as voting has taken place on four seats in the first three phases of polling, the electorate are yet to exercise their franchise on the remaining 18 seats, including four in Delhi, 13 in Punjab, and one Haryana's Kurukshetra constituency.
“Victory For Democracy”, says AAP Celebrating the News
Meanwhile, AAP leaders and supporters in Chandigarh celebrated the news, hailing it as a victory for democracy and a turning point in the battle against authoritarianism. Cabinet Ministers and party members alike conveyed their elation and vowed to intensify their efforts towards achieving their electoral goals.
AAP's buoyant spirits were palpable following the Supreme Court's decision. Expressing gratitude to the judiciary, Mann took to social media, stating, “Thanks to the Supreme Court... Now we will fight the battle to save democracy with more vigour...Arvind Kejriwal is not a person but an ideology... and now we will move forward faster. Inquilab Zindabad.”
Similarly, Finance Minister Harpal Cheema also posted on X, “Today’s interim bail order for @ArvindKejriwal Ji by Hon’ble Supreme Court reaffirms the honesty and integrity of the @AamAadmiParty. Grateful to the judiciary for upholding justice. Arvind Ji’s presence among us will give all of us energy and vigour to fight and win.”
Kejriwal’s close aide and Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh, who is also contesting impending Lok Sabha polls from Patiala, wrote on X, “Beginning of the end for the dictatorial Modi regime in India. India’s favorite son, babbar sher @ArvindKejriwal ji has been given bail by Supreme Court. All the evil planning of BJP has failed to work! Now just watch how the INDIA campaign will shoot up. We are so happy & thankful to Waheguru ji!.”
Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains hailed the Supreme Court's grant of interim bail to Arvind Kejriwal, stating that it underscored the triumph of truth. He emphasized that this development offered a ray of hope for the nation, fortifying our democracy. Bains expressed confidence that Kejriwal's victory would galvanize the entire country to unite against what he perceives as a dictatorial regime bent on undermining democracy and the Constitution.
AAP spokesperson Neel Garg asserted that the BJP and Narendra Modi’s apprehension of the Aam Aadmi Party and Arvind Kejriwal is evident, prompting them to orchestrate a conspiracy against the party. Garg highlighted the misuse of central agencies to thwart their efforts, culminating in the arrest of a sitting Chief Minister just before the general elections. He emphasized the significance of the court's decision, asserting its pivotal role in safeguarding democracy and the constitution. Garg vowed that AAP leaders and workers would operate with renewed vigor and enthusiasm in the wake of this development.
