Giving a glimpse of how the Delhi Government plans to function with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in judicial custody, Water Minister Atishi on Sunday read out the first order sent to her from Mr. Kejriwal instructing her to solve water- and sewer-related problems in some areas of the city.
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Addressing a press conference, Ms. Atishi read out the message in which Mr. Kejriwal wrote “I might be in jail, but people of Delhi shouldn’t be inconvenienced…,” The Minister said that even in confinement, Mr. Kejriwal was committed to serving Delhiites asking her to issue strict directions to the Chief Secretary and Delhi Jal Board officials to prevent public inconvenience during the upcoming summer months.
Mr. Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21 from his official residence in connection with an Excise policy-linked money-laundering case. A court on March 22 sent the AAP national convenor to the central agency's custody till March 28.
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Aam Aadmi Party workers protest the arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal at Shaheedi Park in New Delhi on March 23, 2024. | Photo Credit: Sushil Kumar Verma
“I have come to know that there are significant water and sewer problems in some areas of Delhi. I might be in jail, but the people of Delhi shouldn’t be inconvenienced; make adequate arrangements for water tankers so that there is no shortage during summer. If necessary, seek the cooperation of the Lieutenant Governor as well. He will surely assist you,” said the message from Mr. Kejriwal that Ms. Atishi read out.
She added that when she received the message, she was amazed that even in such dire circumstances when he has been arrested, detained, and does not know when he will be released from jail, he is continuing to think about the people of Delhi which are his family.
“I want to tell the BJP that you can arrest Mr. Kejriwal, you can put him in jail, but you cannot imprison the love and responsibility he has for the people of Delhi. You cannot confine his dedication towards the people of Delhi,” Ms. Atishi said.
Delhi BJP MP Manoj Tiwari reacting to Ms. Atishi’s press conference called the order issued by the Chief Minister “scripted” and said that the AAP government had overlooked Delhi’s water problems for nine years. “This direction comes after no one in Delhi came to his support. The public didn’t express sorrow at his arrest. They are celebrating, distributing sweets, and bursting crackers that the man who made Delhi cry is behind bars now,” Mr. Tiwari said.
Meanwhile, Ms. Atishi assured Delhiites that the work of the Delhi government will continue uninterrupted.