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Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has termed the Supreme Court's decision to grant interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal a resolute response to the BJP's "covert attempts to undermine democracy through abuse of power."
"This verdict would leave a lasting impact on the nation's democratic fabric and shape the outcome of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections," Pinarayi Vijayan said on Friday. He said that it is impossible for an authoritarian regime to perpetually stifle dissent. The BJP's move to imprison a chief minister for "opposing" the central government undermined democratic principles, he alleged. Furthermore, Vijayan criticised the Narendra Modi government's reluctance to engage directly with the electorate, suggesting that the Supreme Court's ruling exposed the fallacy of the BJP's belief that public sentiment could be manipulated through "divisive tactics and suppression of opposition voices." With each passing day of the election campaign, the BJP's position is diminishing which is attributed to their evident desperation, the CM said in a statement. He said that the verdict not only invalidated the central government's "questionable actions" but also cautioned against the "misuse" of agencies like the ED for political ends. In conclusion, Vijayan expressed hope for Arvind Kejriwal's strengthened commitment to the democratic struggle upon his release, further emphasising the importance of safeguarding democratic values in the face of authoritarian tendencies. Kejriwal was released from jail after spending over 50 days following his arrest by the Directorate of Enforcement on March 21, in connection with the Delhi excise policy case.Kejriwal has been granted interim bail till June 1 with conditions that he shall not visit the Office of the Chief Minister or the Delhi Secretariat. As per the court order, Kejriwal shall furnish bail bonds of Rs 50,000 with one surety of the like amount, also, he shall not visit the Office of the Chief Minister and the Delhi Secretariat. While granting Kejriwal interim bail, the apex court said he would not interact with any of the witnesses or have access to any official files connected with the case. He will not "make any comment with regard to his role" in the present case, the bench ordered. The bench also made it clear that the grant of interim bail will not be treated as an expression of opinion on the merits of the case or the criminal appeal which is pending consideration before it. (ANI)
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