In an emotionally charged homecoming, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal returned to his residence on Civil Lines Road after being released from Tihar Jail on Friday night. Greeted by his family and a large crowd of supporters, Kejriwal’s release sparked celebrations across his party and among his followers.
Kejriwal’s parents and wife, Sunita Kejriwal, led the heartfelt welcome at his residence, performing a traditional Aarti and adorning him with garlands. Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, including Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh, and Bhagwant Mann, were present and embraced their leader in a jubilant reunion.
The CM, fresh from his release, held a roadshow from Chandgiram Akhara to his official residence, where he addressed a throng of supporters. “The prison walls have strengthened my resolve. My life is dedicated to my country. Every drop of my blood belongs to this nation,” Kejriwal proclaimed. He attributed his strength to divine support, saying, “God stood by me because I spoke the truth and fought for the country.”
Kejriwal also took the opportunity to criticize forces he described as “anti-national,” claiming they sought to weaken the nation by dividing its people and undermining institutions like the judiciary and the Election Commission. “My crime is not corruption,” he declared. “My crime is that I have spoken against these forces, and I will continue to fight.”
Earlier that day, the Supreme Court granted Kejriwal bail in a corruption case linked to the Delhi Excise Policy scam. The ruling emphasized that prolonged incarceration would be an unjust deprivation of liberty. Upon receiving bail, his legal team quickly furnished the necessary bonds, leading to his release from Tihar Jail.
Outside the jail, a large gathering of AAP supporters celebrated Kejriwal’s return with firecrackers and slogans, marking the end of his months-long legal battle. The Supreme Court, however, placed strict conditions on his release, including a prohibition on public comments about the ongoing case and mandatory attendance at all court hearings unless officially exempted.
Kejriwal had been in custody since March 21, following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with alleged money laundering related to the excise policy. Despite interim bail granted by the Supreme Court in May, he was re-arrested by the CBI in June. His return home on September 13 signals a significant chapter in his ongoing legal and political struggles.
The AAP leader’s release has invigorated his party, with many of its senior members vowing to continue supporting him in his fight against corruption charges.
