Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, currently in the custody of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) following his arrest in the Delhi liquor policy case, has issued his second directive, underlining his dedication to serving the people of Delhi even while detained.
The latest directive, shared by AAP minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, pertains to ensuring seamless healthcare services, particularly focusing on free medicines and pathological tests at government-operated Mohalla clinics. Bharadwaj reiterated Kejriwal’s unwavering commitment to preventing any inconvenience to Delhi residents during his period of detention.
Bharadwaj highlighted Kejriwal’s concern for the underprivileged segments of society, emphasizing that access to essential medicines and medical tests should not be compromised, especially for those dependent on government healthcare facilities. He stressed the significance of Kejriwal’s directives, likening them to divine instructions, and pledged swift action to implement them.
This move comes in the wake of Kejriwal’s earlier directive, conveyed by Delhi minister Atishi, which focused on addressing water supply and sewage problems in various areas of Delhi. Atishi’s revelation of Kejriwal’s proactive stance towards governance even while in custody drew both admiration and criticism from political adversaries.
In response to AAP’s narrative of a “government-from-jail,” BJP MP Manoj Tiwari dismissed the notion, alleging that it was a scripted attempt to garner sympathy amidst a lack of public support for Kejriwal’s arrest. Tiwari claimed that instead of sympathy, the public was celebrating Kejriwal’s detention, attributing it to dissatisfaction with his governance.
Kejriwal’s detention in ED custody is part of an ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering linked to Delhi’s now-abolished liquor policy. The AAP has vehemently denied all allegations, accusing the BJP-led Centre of orchestrating politically motivated actions against its leaders.
Despite the legal challenges and political turmoil, AAP maintains its stance that Kejriwal will continue to discharge his duties as Chief Minister even from confinement. The unfolding events underscore the deepening rift between AAP and the central government, with both sides engaged in a high-stakes political battle with far-reaching consequences for Delhi’s governance and national politics.