Amidst campaigning for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal was granted interim bail by the Supreme Court in a liquor policy case. He was released from Tihar Jail on Friday evening and spoke about his national ambitions and the upcoming elections. Meanwhile, India Today's Akshita Nandagopal spoke to Jana Sena Party president Pawan Kalyan on his campaign trail in Andhra Pradesh.
Arvind Kejriwal Granted Bail by Supreme Court in Liquor Policy Case
Background:
Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi and leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has been embroiled in a controversy over the implementation of a new liquor policy in the national capital. The policy, which was introduced in November 2021, allowed for the opening of private liquor stores and a significant increase in the number of liquor licenses.
Critics of the policy alleged that it was opaque and had led to corruption and a surge in alcohol consumption. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) launched an investigation into the matter, and Kejriwal was summoned for questioning. On November 17, 2022, he was arrested and sent to judicial custody.
Recent Developments:
Amidst ongoing campaigning for the 2023 Lok Sabha elections, Kejriwal was granted interim bail by the Supreme Court on February 24, 2023. He was released from Tihar Jail on Friday evening and immediately addressed the media, reiterating his national ambitions and highlighting the upcoming elections.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
1. What are the allegations against Arvind Kejriwal?
Kejriwal is accused of corruption and irregularities in the implementation of Delhi's new liquor policy.
2. Why was Kejriwal arrested?
He was arrested by the CBI after being summoned for questioning in connection with the liquor policy investigation.
3. What is the status of the liquor policy case against Kejriwal?
Kejriwal has been granted interim bail by the Supreme Court, and the case is still under investigation.
4. Is Kejriwal still campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections?
Yes, Kejriwal was released from jail on Friday evening and immediately resumed his election campaign.
5. What are Kejriwal's national ambitions?
Kejriwal has expressed his desire to expand his political footprint beyond Delhi and contest the Lok Sabha elections with the aim of forming the next government at the national level.
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