Today’s Political Highlights: Supreme Court’s Verdict on Arvind Kejriwal’s Bail Plea — Will the AAP Chief Be Released?

One of the day’s most significant political developments will be the Supreme Court’s ruling on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s bail application related to the Delhi liquor policy case.

Kejriwal has filed two petitions: one challenging the denial of bail and another contesting his arrest by the CBI. A Bench led by Justice Surya Kant is set to deliver the verdict, which was reserved on September 5. The court’s agenda for Friday includes two judgments—one by Justice Kant and another by Justice Ujjal Bhuyan.

Case Background: Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21 in connection with a money laundering case linked to the excise policy. On June 26, he was also arrested by the CBI for a corruption case related to the alleged scam. The Supreme Court granted him interim bail in the money laundering case on July 12, and he is currently in judicial custody for the CBI’s corruption case.

Current Context: If Kejriwal is granted bail, it would be a significant boost for his party, especially as AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Vijay Nair, along with Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader K Kavitha, have recently been granted bail. However, Kejriwal will face immediate challenges, including leading the party through the Haryana Assembly elections and preparing for Delhi’s Assembly elections early next year.

Kejriwal also contends with rising anti-incumbency due to recent water crises and civic issues in Delhi, exacerbated by ongoing conflicts with Lieutenant-Governor V K Saxena. Recent months have seen work stalled in various departments, including the PWD and Delhi Jal Board, contributing to a governance crisis.

Opposition leader Vijender Gupta has called for a probe into alleged corruption in hospital construction projects under the AAP government, which could become a significant issue if Kejriwal is released.

In West Bengal: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee faces increasing pressure as junior doctors’ strikes continue despite the Supreme Court’s directive. Banerjee’s efforts to resolve the strike and her subsequent responses will be closely watched.

On August 28, Banerjee hinted at filing FIRs against protesters but later showed a more conciliatory stance, expressing frustration over the ongoing situation and her government’s treatment.

Also Happening Today: The Congress’s “Kedarnath Pratishtha Raksha Yatra,” which was interrupted by a cloudburst, resumes and is set to conclude with a jalabhishek and puja at the Kedarnath temple.