Kejriwal fueled controversy by saying, “I will not have to go back to jail if you press the jhaadu button”

 "If you press the jhaadu button on EVM to the maximum, I will not have to go back to jail. You have the power"

Digital Desk: During his New Delhi roadshow's second day, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal emphasised that he won't be heading back to jail after 20 days if his party garners the maximum votes, particularly urging voters to hit the 'jhaadu' button. Expressing his sentiment of missing the people of Delhi and feeling missed by them, Kejriwal remarked that divine intervention brought them together as he obtained 'bail'. Amidst chants of 'nahi jayenge' ('won't go'), he asserted the power lies with the electorate to prevent his return to jail by casting their votes for his party.

He said, "If you press the jhaadu button on EVM to the maximum, I will not have to go back to jail. You have the power."

Kejriwal, joined by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, conducted campaigning in Motinagar, Delhi, on Sunday.

Granted interim bail by the Supreme Court on May 10, in consideration of the ongoing Lok Sabha election, Kejriwal's bail extends until June 1, encompassing the remaining election phases. However, he is mandated to surrender and return to Tihar Jail on June 2. The charges stem from his arrest on March 21 in connection with a money laundering case related to the defunct excise policy.

During this interim bail period, Kejriwal is permitted to campaign without restrictions but is barred from visiting the Delhi chief minister's office or the Delhi secretariat, as per the Supreme Court's directives.

In his initial two days of campaigning, Kejriwal conducted press conferences in New Delhi. Following his release from jail, he consulted with poll analysts, who indicated that the BJP wouldn't secure a majority. He visited Abhishek Manu Singhvi's residence, Singhvi being his legal representative in the Supreme Court.

In the upcoming week, Kejriwal plans to campaign for the INDIA bloc in Lucknow, Jamshedpur, and Mumbai, with scheduled events on May 15, 16, and 17, respectively.

Announcing 10 election guarantees on Saturday, Kejriwal pledged initiatives such as free education, enhanced healthcare, and advocating for full statehood for the national capital.