Kerala-based hardline leader Abdul Nasser Madhani was on Wednesday released on bail after being exonerated of all charges against him in the 1998 Coimbatore serial blasts case.

The chairman of the People's Democratic Party was exonerated of five charges, including criminal consipracy to trigger the blasts that killed 58 people, by the sessions court handling the blast case.

Emerging from the Central prison in Coimbatore where he was held for the past nine-and-half years, Madhani told reporters that he had no connection with the bombings.

"The court has now acquitted me of all the charges," he said.

Asked about the criticism of his exoneration by the Bharatiya Janata Party, Madhani said everyone has the freedom to make comments.

"I have no connection with the blasts and the court has proved it," he pointed out.

His future plans, particularly in the political field after returning to Kerala [Images], would be decided at an "appropriate time," he said.

Madhani said he would continue to work for the benefit of the downtrodden with more vigour.

Poonthura Siraj, who was accompanying Madhani and his wife Sofia, said they would be travel to Ernakulam by road.

Madhani will leave the next day for Thiruvananthapuram, where he will attend a public meeting at Shankumugam beach, Siraj said.

Madhani is also likely to meet Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan.