Aam Aadmi Party’s chief, Arvind Kejriwal, has finally made his way out of Tihar Jail after a series of failed attempts to secure bail. Arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on 21 March for his alleged involvement in the Delhi liquor scam, Kejriwal’s prolonged stay behind bars came to an end just in time for his party to orchestrate a grand celebration.
Now, Kejriwal has announced that he will resign from the CM post. He said he will get “justice from the people’s court” in the upcoming Delhi elections. An AAP member will be named caretaker CM until the polls are conducted, he said. One might wonder if the timing is coincidental, especially with the Haryana polls looming.
Kejriwal’s bail doesn’t make him innocent; moral, ethical, and political questions remain.
It might offer temporary relief to AAP, but it does little to wash away the stains of the numerous corruption allegations that continue to haunt his government. Besides the liquor scam, the Kejriwal-led Delhi government was accused of involvement in several other dubious dealings, and the list is long and disturbing.
Who engineered the Rs 2,875 crore liquor scam? Who managed the Rs 78,000 crore Jal Board disaster? Who should be held accountable for the Rs 5,000 crore classroom construction debacle or the Rs 1,000 crore fake medicine controversy? And let’s not overlook the Rs 4,000 crore X-ray fraud, the Rs 2,000 crore panic button swindle, the Rs 1,000 crore bus procurement irregularities, or the Rs 125 crore lavish renovation of the Delhi CM’s ‘Sheesh Mahal’ residence. With such a staggering trail of corruption allegations, Kejriwal’s bail hardly seems like a victory worth celebrating. AAP’s festivities – and Kejriwal’s ‘resignation’ – appear to be more of a smokescreen to divert attention from the troubling questions of governance and accountability.
One must wonder if they plan to address these serious accusations—or simply sweep them under the rug in a bid for political survival.
Bail does not mean absolution
Does Kejriwal’s bail imply that he has been absolved of the corruption charges against him? It seems there might be some confusion among those celebrating this development. Bail is not an indication of acquittal or innocence; it is merely a procedural step allowing an accused to remain free while awaiting trial. Celebrating bail as if it were a verdict of innocence overlooks the fact that the legal process continues, and that the accusations remain under scrutiny. The distinction between bail and acquittal should be clear to all, as the latter requires a full judicial examination and verdict.
First, it is important to note that this bail decision is not a straightforward vindication of Kejriwal’s innocence. The judges couldn’t quite concur on his arrest by the CBI after the ED granted him bail in the same case. One judge upheld the arrest, and the other questioned it, highlighting the complexity of the legal proceedings.
Second, this bail is accompanied by stringent conditions. The Supreme Court has specifically barred Kejriwal from visiting the Chief Minister’s office or the Delhi Secretariat, reflecting the seriousness of the charges and the ongoing concerns about his influence. Additionally, he is prohibited from making any public comments on the merits of the case, further underscoring the limitations placed on him during this period.
Even while behind bars, Arvind Kejriwal was the only chief minister whose ambition and control prevented him from passing on the leadership role to a party colleague. Shouldn’t the people of Delhi be led by someone who is able to actively engage with their issues, rather than someone facing serious allegations?
The reality check here is that Kejriwal’s bail is as temporary as the celebrations surrounding it. He is not yet absolved of the charges and will have to face the legal proceedings that will again lead him back to jail. As the saying goes, a leopard doesn’t change its spots. This adage seems particularly relevant here, suggesting that Kejriwal’s fundamental nature and approach to governance are unlikely to change, even if his temporary release might create an illusion of normality.
Also read: Arvind Kejriwal bail finally brings AAP leadership together. Opportunity to regroup, reset
Where’s the accountability?
Until there is a conclusive resolution to the charges against Arvind Kejriwal, the focus must remain firmly on transparency, accountability, and the essential qualities of genuine leadership. Bail, while a procedural right, does not absolve one of the serious allegations that led to its necessity. Kejriwal’s temporary release, constrained by significant conditions, should not be mistaken for a final judgment or a clean slate.
Transparency is crucial at this juncture. The public deserves a clear understanding of the ongoing legal proceedings and how they will impact governance. Any celebration of bail must not obscure the need for openness about the allegations and the steps being taken to address them. Accountability remains a cornerstone of democratic leadership. Kejriwal, like any public official, must be held accountable for the accusations levelled against him. This means not only adhering to legal requirements but also demonstrating a commitment to ethical conduct and responsible governance. The court of law may give bail on procedural grounds but verdict in the people’s court is awaited.
Furthermore, the need for genuine and unwavering leadership cannot be overstated. The people of Delhi deserve leaders who are actively engaged in their responsibilities and not embroiled in controversies that impede their ability to govern effectively. The temporary nature of Kejriwal’s bail should serve as a reminder that true leadership involves more than momentary freedom—it demands consistent presence, integrity, and the ability to navigate the complexities of governance without the shadow of serious allegations.
Meenakshi Lekhi is a BJP leader, lawyer and social activist. Her X handle is @M_Lekhi. Views are personal.
(Edited by Zoya Bhatti)
Kejriwal resign is not a good gamble for AAP
The other point of view is why a democratically elected leader should be debarred from discharging his official duties, which have a direct bearing on governance in Delhi, before being convicted of any crime.
AAP should file defamation case against this mindless lady. She listed 93,000 crores of scams. Basically she listed all work done by AAP is a scam. But then it copies the term “guarantee” used first by Kejriwal during Gujrat elections. It also copied the freeby agenda of AAP during the Chhatisgarh, MP and Rajasthan elections. If AAP’s good works are all scams, but all bad works of BJP are excellent development works.