A row has erupted amid the debate on whether AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal can continue to work as Chief Minister from prison as the national Capital ruling party claimed that Kejriwal has issued his first order to the Government, instructing Water Minister Atishi to solve water and sewer related problems in some areas of the city, while being in Enforcement Directorate custody. While the BJP remarked that the situation has played a biggest mockery on the citizens as how can a person holding a Constitutional post "run" a Government being in a custody as an accused in multi crore liquor-gate scam.
"I have come to know that a few areas of Delhi have been facing problems related to water and sewerage, that is why I am worried because I am in jail and because of that people of Delhi should not face any problem. Summer is also coming...where there is a shortage of water, deploy water tankers in sufficient quantity and give orders to the Chief Secretary and officers so that the public does not face any trouble. Immediate and appropriate solution should be taken to address the public's problem," Kejriwal said in a note to Atishi.
According to jail manual, an inmate can only hold two meetings in a week, which would make it difficult for Kejriwal to carry out his responsibilities as Chief Minister. The only measure that could facilitate Kejriwal's governance from within the confinement was if he was put under house arrest. The Lieutenant Governor has the power to convert any building into a prison, and if Kejriwal can convince him to put him under house arrest - it would help him be a part of the Delhi Government's day-to-day functioning.
The Enforcement Directorate has taken cognisance of Delhi minister Atishi's statement that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal sent her directions from the agency's custody to initiate public welfare works related to water and sewerage, official sources said on Sunday. Sources the ED will conduct an investigation to ascertain if these directions from the arrested chief minister were in line with the special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court's order issued to the ED and Kejriwal during his custody period.
AAP has maintained that there will be no change in the leadership, even if that means Kerjriwal functions as the Chief Minister from jail.
AAP leader and Delhi Minister Atishi praised Kejriwal for issuing directions pertaining to the Delhi Government's water department while being in ED custody. Later addressing a press conference, Atishi said the directions, received late on Saturday, brought tears to her eyes with Kejriwal showing concern for the people of Delhi despite his own plight.
"Arvind Kejriwal ji has sent me a letter and a direction. On reading it, I was in tears. I kept thinking who is this man, who is in prison, but is still thinking about Delhi residents' water and sewage problems. Only Arvind Kejriwal can do this because he considers himself a family member of Delhi's two crore people," she said.
"Who thinks like this even in a situation? Even from jail, he is a person who is thinking about the people of Delhi," she said. The Chief Minister also directed for deploying enough water tankers in areas where there is scarcity to strengthen supply ahead of the approaching summer months, Atishi said.
Taking a dig at Kejriwal and Atishi, Delhi BJP MP Manoj Tiwari hit out at Kejriwal, calling his instruction from ED custody to the Water Minister scripted and his arrest a cause of celebration for the people of the city.
"In ED's custody there is a culprit and taking his reference today a script has been written that water and sewer-related facilities in Delhi are disorganised."
Earlier, Atishi said Kejriwal directed to issue instructions to the chief secretary and other officers in this regard. He also suggested seeking the help of Lt Governor VK Saxena, if needed, and expects that he will extend all assistance, she said.
"Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been reviewing the ongoing works and developments in all departments. All the projects and matters have been under his supervision. Now he is under the custody of the Central Government... Summers are also coming and several places face water supply problems, so he has given directions on how to address the issue... department and the officers will be directed as per the directions given by the CM," she said.
Kejriwal (55) was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday from his official residence in connection with an excise policy-linked money-laundering case. A court on Friday sent the AAP national convenor to the central agency's custody till March 28.
Delhi BJP spokesman Maninderjit Singh Sirsa said AAP is playing a fool of the democratic system as how can a person being in custody of a probing agency issue orders pertaining to functioning of the government. "They are lying as usual," alleged Sirsa.
