New Delhi, Feb 3 (PTI) – As the high-stakes Delhi Assembly elections approach, the political landscape is abuzz with candidates who have previously served jail time, using the mantra of “innocent until proven guilty” to defend their candidacies. Among them are Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal, his former deputy Manish Sisodia, and riot-accused figures like Tahir Hussain and Shifa-ur Rehman. While their legal troubles have fueled political attacks, these leaders insist they were framed in politically motivated cases.
Despite spending time behind bars over allegations of corruption and riots, these candidates argue their arrests have not tainted their public standing. Political analysts suggest that while a stint in jail can generate sympathy for a politician, it does not necessarily translate into votes.
Kejriwal, who was arrested last year in connection with a money laundering case related to the now-defunct Delhi excise policy, received interim bail in September with conditions restricting him from accessing the Chief Minister’s office. Soon after, he resigned, declaring he would reclaim the position only if the public affirmed his integrity. AAP leader Atishi then took over as Delhi’s third woman chief minister.
However, BJP leaders have ridiculed Kejriwal’s attempts to leverage his jail stint for political gain. Assam Chief Minister and BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma criticized him at a recent rally, stating, “He is going around proudly telling people about his time in jail as if he was part of the freedom struggle. He should be ashamed; he was jailed for corruption.”
Similarly, Jamia Millia Islamia scholar Azhar Mehboob noted that public perception of jailed politicians varies, depending on factors beyond legal troubles. “Some politicians gain sympathy, while others provoke outrage. However, voting decisions are typically influenced by governance, policies, and party loyalty rather than legal entanglements alone,” Mehboob stated.
Meanwhile, AIMIM candidates Tahir Hussain and Shifa-ur Rehman, both accused in the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots, are also contesting the elections. Hussain, running from Mustafabad, and Rehman, from Okhla, were granted parole for campaigning. Rehman is pitted against AAP’s Amanatullah Khan, who himself is out on bail over alleged irregularities in the Delhi Waqf Board appointments.
As Delhi heads to the polls on February 5, the debate over criminal allegations versus governance achievements remains a defining narrative. With vote counting scheduled for February 8, the electoral outcome will reveal whether public perception aligns with AAP’s claim of political victimization or BJP’s corruption allegations.
Despite spending time behind bars over allegations of corruption and riots, these candidates argue their arrests have not tainted their public standing. Political analysts suggest that while a stint in jail can generate sympathy for a politician, it does not necessarily translate into votes.
Kejriwal’s Stance: ‘A Badge of Honour’ or a Liability?
During his campaign, former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal repeatedly asserted that his arrest was a calculated move by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to tarnish his image. “There is no proof of what they are alleging. One is innocent until proven guilty, and they cannot prove it,” Kejriwal maintained.Kejriwal, who was arrested last year in connection with a money laundering case related to the now-defunct Delhi excise policy, received interim bail in September with conditions restricting him from accessing the Chief Minister’s office. Soon after, he resigned, declaring he would reclaim the position only if the public affirmed his integrity. AAP leader Atishi then took over as Delhi’s third woman chief minister.
However, BJP leaders have ridiculed Kejriwal’s attempts to leverage his jail stint for political gain. Assam Chief Minister and BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma criticized him at a recent rally, stating, “He is going around proudly telling people about his time in jail as if he was part of the freedom struggle. He should be ashamed; he was jailed for corruption.”
The Political and Electoral Impact of Jail Time
Political experts maintain that a candidate’s criminal record does not necessarily determine electoral success. Abhishek Giri, a political science professor at Delhi University, pointed out that while Kejriwal’s anti-corruption image took a hit with his arrest, it may not overshadow AAP’s track record of governance. “Many politicians face criminal charges, but not all of them suffer electorally. For Kejriwal, his governance credentials—such as free electricity and water—may still hold more weight than the allegations,” Giri explained.Similarly, Jamia Millia Islamia scholar Azhar Mehboob noted that public perception of jailed politicians varies, depending on factors beyond legal troubles. “Some politicians gain sympathy, while others provoke outrage. However, voting decisions are typically influenced by governance, policies, and party loyalty rather than legal entanglements alone,” Mehboob stated.
Other High-Profile Candidates with Criminal Cases
Apart from Kejriwal, AAP’s Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh were also arrested in the excise policy case. While Singh secured bail in April, Sisodia was released in August after 17 months in custody. Satyendar Jain, one of AAP’s earliest leaders to be jailed in corruption cases, was granted bail last October after spending 18 months in prison over a ₹4.8 crore money laundering case. Jain emphasized that despite BJP’s efforts to tarnish AAP’s image, the party’s credibility remains intact.Meanwhile, AIMIM candidates Tahir Hussain and Shifa-ur Rehman, both accused in the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots, are also contesting the elections. Hussain, running from Mustafabad, and Rehman, from Okhla, were granted parole for campaigning. Rehman is pitted against AAP’s Amanatullah Khan, who himself is out on bail over alleged irregularities in the Delhi Waqf Board appointments.
Criminal Cases in Delhi Elections: A Declining Trend?
According to an analysis by poll rights body ADR, 19% of candidates in the upcoming Delhi elections have declared criminal cases, a slight dip from the 20% recorded in 2020. Moreover, 12% of candidates face serious charges, down from 15% in the previous election.As Delhi heads to the polls on February 5, the debate over criminal allegations versus governance achievements remains a defining narrative. With vote counting scheduled for February 8, the electoral outcome will reveal whether public perception aligns with AAP’s claim of political victimization or BJP’s corruption allegations.
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