 |
|
In a strongly-worded statement following the granting of interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to campaign for the Lok Sabha elections, Home Minister Amit Shah has expressed concern over the Supreme Court's decision, stating that many in the country believe that "special treatment" was given.
Shah questioned Kejriwal's claims that he would not need to return to jail if enough votes were cast in the party's favour, calling it "clear contempt of the Supreme Court." He emphasized that the judges who granted bail should consider how their judgment is being "used or misused."
Addressing the media, Shah stated, "I believe this was not a normal or routine judgment. Many in the country believe that special treatment has been given." He also refuted Kejriwal's allegations that cameras were installed in Tihar Jail and a feed was sent directly to the Prime Minister's office, accusing him of lying.
Kejriwal, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with an alleged Delhi liquor scam, was granted interim bail on May 10 to campaign in the Lok Sabha elections. Delhi will vote on May 25, and Kejriwal has been asked to surrender on June 2, a day after polling ends in the last phase.
Shah criticized Kejriwal for making guarantees despite the AAP contesting in only 22 Lok Sabha seats, saying, "Don't take him too seriously. His party is fighting only 22 seats and he is guaranteeing that electricity bills will be waived for the entire country. You are fighting only 22 seats, how will you form the government?"
Regarding Kejriwal's claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would retire next year, after he turned 75, and Shah would become the PM, Shah responded, "I have said this many times. Modiji will remain the Prime Minister till 2029. And Mr Kejriwal, there is no good news for you, elections will be fought under the leadership of PM Modi even after 2029."
The BJP leader pointed out that the Delhi Chief Minister had not been given regular bail but only interim relief, questioning, "His plea was that his arrest was wrong. The Supreme Court did not accept that. Then he sought bail. The court did not accept that either. Then he asked for permission to campaign. The Supreme Court set some conditions and granted him leave till June 1. He has to return to Tihar (jail) on June 2. How is this a ruling in his favour?"
Source: "Many Believe Special Treatment...": Amit Shah On Arvind Kejriwal's Bail