Arvind Kejriwal’s entitlement and ‘khaas aadmi’ status was confirmed by no less than the Supreme Court of India, which is taking flak for granting the AAP convenor “Interim Bail” for 21 days. The AAP convenor has been given bail to campaign for the general elections. Arvind Kejriwal is the AAP’s star campaigner though he is known to make outlandish election promises including anarchy on demand.

And true to style, the Delhi Chief Minister hit the ground running after his release on interim bail. AAP workers were supposed to gather at a Connaught Place Hanuman Temple on May 11. It is known that the AAP convenor often invokes Lord Hanuman’s name for political capital. People also forget that Kejriwal is in a shortlist of “very shrewd politicians” and political adversaries rate him high in “cunning”.

Stepping out of Tihar, Kejriwal urged the electorate to "save India from dictatorship". It is another matter that the media often mistake Kejriwal for a dictator. Journalists who have slighted Kejriwal have paid a price and that includes a young female reporter who broke the story on Kejriwal’s “Sheeshmahal”. She spent time behind bars and her media friends reported on the “harrowing experience”. Kejriwal has a ruthless streak one can overlook only at one’s own peril.

Kejriwal’s jail sojourn resumes on June 2. Which means the Delhi strongman will be behind bars when the results of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls roll out on June 4. Kejriwal’s jail cell has a TV set on the wall. Kejriwal’s wife Sunitha Kejriwal will be praying for an INDI-Alliance victory. Kejriwal is a top leader of the alliance with two states under his direct command and influence.

Kejriwal’s party often brags that if Prime Minister Narendra Modi fears any one man, it is “Yours Truly Arvind Kejriwal”. In that case, the Supreme Court is in direct competition with Modi as per social media posts, which are charging the top court of going soft on the “khaas aadmi” out of fear. Unfortunately, the Supreme Court will have to live with this imposition on its fair name.

People, however, should know that while Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been punished, with conditions placed on the interim bail, it is the AAP convenor, Arvind Kejriwal, who has been set at large for 21 days. There is a difference. If and when the Aam Aadmi Party is named accused in the ED charge-sheet, only then will Kejriwal be twice-damned, as Delhi Chief Minister and as AAP convenor.

Till then nobody can and must grudge Kejriwal his quantum of solace. That being said, is there substance in Kejriwal’s claim that his arrest was timed to keep him out of the 2024 general elections? The top court’s interim bail says “Yes”. Arvind Kejriwal is no mean campaigner and he strikes all the right notes. "We have to save this country from dictatorship and I am fighting against it with all of my might," were his first words after being released on interim bail.

National media and supporters across India lapped it up. The BJP was not looking forward to 21 days of Arvind Kejriwal on the loose. “Tanashahi Ko Harana Hai” is the latest slogan from the INDI-Alliance stable, courtesy Kejriwal. And with the fourth phase of polling poised for May 13, Kejriwal on interim bail is on the dot of time. The AAP convenor will be going places and unlike Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he isn’t afraid of answering probing questions.

But there is a court-monitored gag order in place and Kejriwal has to mind the gap, what he can speak and what he cannot speak? Chances are bright the AAP convenor will break the rule on behalf of the Delhi Chief Minister. And that before voting for the seven Delhi Lok Sabha seats takes place on May 25.

In 2014 and 2019, the BJP took all 7 Delhi Lok Sabha seats. This time could be different. Therefore, the fear of a Kejriwal on the loose. If the AAP wins even half the Delhi seats, it will be a loss of face for Prime Minister Modi whose “400 paar” has started weighing on his nerves. So much so, the cross has become too heavy to bear for the overbearing Bharatiya Janata Party.

"Truth can be troubled but not defeated. The decision of the Hon'ble Supreme Court is welcome. The dictatorship will end. Satyamev Jayate," said AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, who himself is out on bail. "This is not regular bail. It is an interim bail. He can campaign but every time he goes to campaign, people will be reminded of the excise scam," Union Home Minister Amit Shah shot back.

Amit Shah is right. Arvind Kejriwal is not out of the woods. Defeating the BJP in the general election is the only way out of the woods. The AAP-Congress alliance must win the 7 Delhi Lok Sabha seats. Will the INDI-Alliance come up winner on June 4? This is the million dollar question. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi speaks as if the answer is already on the ECI website. Arvind Kejriwal knows better. Kejriwal is out on a very short leash and has to make the most of the short-lived freedom. (IPA Service)