Former Pakistani Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Fawad Chaudhry, reacted on Friday to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s release from Tihar jail following relief from the Supreme Court in the Delhi excise policy case. Chaudhry characterized it as another setback for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Taking to X, the former Pakistani leader captioned, “Modi G Lost another battle #Kejriwal released… good news for moderate India.”
Chaudhry’s response came after Kejriwal’s release from jail after over 50 days of detention by the Directorate of Enforcement on March 21, 2024, in connection with the Delhi excise policy case. Kejriwal was granted interim bail until June 1, with conditions prohibiting him from visiting the Office of the Chief Minister or the Delhi Secretariat.
Chaudhry also lamented the rule of law situation in Pakistan, stating that civil society, bar associations, media organizations, and human rights organizations have become inactive. He highlighted the judiciary’s stand in Islamabad as a beacon of hope, while expressing concern over the inactive stance of other societal pillars.
Upon Kejriwal’s release, a large crowd gathered outside Tihar jail to welcome the Chief Minister. Notable figures such as Kejriwal’s wife Sunita Kejriwal, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, and AAP leaders Atishi, Saurabh Bhardwaj, and Sandeep Pathak accompanied him. The Chief Minister proceeded to his official residence post-release.
As per court orders, Kejriwal must furnish bail bonds worth Rs 50,000 with one surety of the same amount to the satisfaction of the Jail Superintendent. Additionally, he is prohibited from visiting the Office of the Chief Minister and the Delhi Secretariat.
Fawad Chaudhry has been active in commenting on Indian politics and the ongoing Lok Sabha Elections, previously praising Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s socialist stance and criticizing the BJP-led Centre over the Ayodhya Ram Temple issue. Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to Chaudhry’s praise for Gandhi, accusing Pakistan of supporting Congress as the party weakens in India.
