Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced that he would leave his residence at 3 PM on Sunday to surrender, as the interim bail granted to him by the Supreme Court in the Delhi liquor policy case expires.
“I will leave my house around 3 PM to surrender the day after tomorrow. We are fighting against tyranny, and if I must sacrifice my life for the country, do not mourn,” Kejriwal stated in a press conference today.
The AAP leader disclosed that his health had significantly deteriorated during his 50-day imprisonment, resulting in considerable weight loss and ongoing health issues. He also claimed he was denied diabetes medication during this period.
“I was in jail for 50 days, and during those 50 days, I lost 6 kilos… Even after being released, I have not regained my weight,” he said, adding that doctors are now concerned about his health.
Despite these challenges, Kejriwal emphasized that the welfare of Delhi’s citizens remains his top priority. He assured that essential services and initiatives such as free electricity, Mohalla clinics, hospitals, free medicines, and free bus travel for women would continue without interruption.
“Even though I won’t be among you, do not worry. All your work will continue,” he said. “I may not be with you physically, but your work will not stop.”
He also made an emotional plea for the well-being of his elderly parents, urging the public to keep them in their prayers.
“My parents are very old… If you pray for my mother daily, she will surely remain healthy,” he said.
Arvind Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 by the Enforcement Directorate in a corruption case linked to the now-scrapped Delhi liquor policy. The agency alleges that Kejriwal played a key role in drafting the policy and sought bribes or kickbacks in exchange for liquor licenses. The AAP is accused of receiving ₹100 crore in kickbacks, which were allegedly used to fund its election campaigns in Goa and Punjab.
Kejriwal and the AAP have denied all charges, calling the arrest and case “political vendetta,” especially since it occurred weeks before the election. The arrest also sparked a political clash between the ruling BJP and the opposition INDIA bloc, led by the Congress, of which the AAP is a member.