Delhi CM Kejriwal gets interim bail, AAP thanks SC for "upholding democracy"

Addressing a joint press conference in Delhi along with AAP leaders Saurabh Bhardwaj, Gopal Rai and Atishi on Friday, party national spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar said, "We are extremely grateful to the Supreme Court for upholding the democracy in the country today. The interim bail has been granted in very extraordinary circumstances."

"This is the last chance to save the democracy and we call upon the citizens, media and all of you to ensure we also uphold the democracy this time," Kakkar added.

Addressing the press conference, Delhi Minister Gopal Rai said that the entire country is "happy" with the Chief Minister getting interim bail.

"Today the Supreme Court has given a ray of hope to all those who believe in the Constitution. Today the entire country including Delhi is happy. Our party, people of Delhi thank the Supreme Court," Gopal Rai said.

Delhi Minister Atishi called it the "victory of democracy and Constitution."

"It is not just Arvind Kejriwal who has got interim bail but by this decision of the Supreme Court, truth has triumphed, this is a victory of the democracy and Constitution. The SC has played a major role in protecting democracy," Atishi said while speaking at the joint press conference.

AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj said the development is a "sign from God" for the country and Kejriwal is coming out of jail for a big purpose.

"Getting interim bail in 40 days is more than a miracle. Through SC, it is a sign from God that whatever is happening in India, a change is needed in that. Arvind Kejriwal has the blessings of Lord Bajrangbali and today he will come out of jail," the Delhi Minister said.

"I think it's not an ordinary thing and he is coming out of jail for a big purpose," he added.

The Aam Admi Party supremo received a big relief earlier in the day from the Supreme Court after it granted him interim bail till June 1 in the excise policy case.

A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Dutta granted the Delhi Chief Minister interim bail in the money laundering case registered against him by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED).

Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21 in connection with a money laundering probe relating to alleged irregularities in the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy 2021-22.

The ED had opposed his bail in the top court, which was hearing arguments on Kejriwal's bail plea. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, also representing ED, told the bench at an earlier hearing that there can't be any deviation only because Kejriwal is Chief Minister and asked if the Supreme Court is carving out exceptions for politicians.

Arvind Kejriwal is now likely to join the AAP campaign in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Delhi goes to the polls on May 25. (ANI)