THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's bail is a significant setback to the BJP's strategic efforts to maintain control over the administration, according to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. This verdict will profoundly impact the nation's democratic history and the outcome of the Lok Sabha elections. No totalitarian regime can indefinitely suppress dissenting voices.
Pinarayi criticized the BJP government for attempting to undermine the fundamental principles of democracy by marginalizing the opposition chief minister and stifling his voice even during the election phase itself.
The Narendra Modi government seems hesitant to face the elections transparently and engage directly with the people. Instead, the Supreme Court seems to have fallen for the misconception that public sentiment can be manipulated by stoking communal tensions, wielding excessive power, and silencing dissent.
As the elections progress, the BJP's standing appears to be declining, as evident from recent developments. This judgment also indicates that the central government's missteps will not withstand judicial scrutiny. The Chief Minister noted that the verdict also highlights opposition to the politicization of agencies like the ED.
Pinarayi also expressed his hope that Arvind Kejriwal would continue to energetically advocate for democracy after his release from prison.