Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal arrested on Thursday
New Delhi:
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal yesterday issued an order to the Enforcement Directorate to seal areas facing water shortage.
In the first order issued by the jail, Kejriwal asked the city’s water department to deploy water tankers in the affected areas to bolster water supply as the capital braces for a scorching summer.
The order was conveyed through a note sent to Delhi Water Minister Atish last night.
The AAP insists there will be no change in leadership, even if it means Mr Kriwal serving as chief minister from behind bars.
The Aam Aadmi Party chief was arrested on Thursday in a corruption case related to Delhi’s liquor policy, a day after the city’s Rouse Avenue court remanded him in the custody of the investigating agency till March 28.
What Arvind Kejriwal’s order from jail says
Addressing a press conference this morning, Atish said Mr Kejriwal had directed the department to ensure adequate water supply in the affected areas.
He also advised the minister to seek help from Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena if needed.
“I understand that people in parts of Delhi are facing problems related to water supply and sewerage. I am worried about this. People should not face these problems as I am in jail. Tankers should be arranged at places where water is scarce and sent to Officials issue appropriate instructions so that people do not face any problem,” Mr. Kejriwal said in his order.
News from prison
Delhi Chief Minister yesterday urged everyone to continue working for society and not to hate anyone, even people from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.
The message was read out by his wife Sunita Kejriwal.
“There are multiple forces within and outside India that are weakening the country. No jail can keep him behind bars for long. I will come out soon and keep my promise,” the Delhi chief minister said in his message.
What do the prison rules say?
A former legal officer in Delhi’s Tihar Jail said an inmate could only hold two meetings a week, which would make it difficult for Kejriwal to discharge his duties as chief minister.
The only measure that can facilitate Mr Kejriwal’s governance during the lockdown is to place him under house arrest.
The Lieutenant Governor has the power to convert any building into a jail and if Mr Kejriwal can be persuaded to put him under house arrest, it will help him participate in the day-to-day running of the Delhi government.
“The administrator has the power to declare any building a prison,” Sunil Gupta told New Delhi TV.
