Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, after visiting Delhi’s Tihar Jail on Monday to meet his Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal, voiced strong concerns about Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) supremo’s treatment, stating that he was being subjected to harsher conditions than hardened criminals.
Kejriwal is currently under judicial custody in connection with the Delhi excise policy case. His arrest by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21 has sparked widespread controversy and raised questions about the treatment of political leaders in custody.
During their meeting, Mann revealed that Kejriwal was compelled to communicate through a smudged glass wall, making it difficult for them to see each other clearly. Despite these obstacles, Kejriwal expressed concern about the welfare of the people of Punjab and Delhi, reflecting his dedication to public service even in challenging circumstances.
Condemning Kejriwal’s treatment, Mann highlighted his contributions to education, healthcare, and public welfare. He criticized the authorities for treating Kejriwal as if he were a “dreaded terrorist”, emphasizing that his actions as a political leader aimed at improving society, not undermining it.
Mann’s visit to Tihar Jail coincided with ongoing legal proceedings concerning Kejriwal's arrest. The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate on a plea challenging Kejriwal's detention and subsequent remand in the money laundering case. The court scheduled the next hearing for April 29.
Visibly emotional after the meeting, Mann said: “The glass wall was so smudged that it was difficult to see each other’s face. I asked Kejriwal how he was doing. He did not talk about himself… He asked me about Punjab — how farmers are doing, has harvesting started, about AAP Mohalla Clinics, and if the people are getting free electricity timely. These were his concerns… Kyunki hum kaam ki rajneeti karte hain, naam ki nahi…Hum deshbhakt hain, aur deshbhakt ke tarah ladenge (Because we do politics of work, not just for the sake of it. We are patriots and we will fight like one)”.
“He is not getting facilities that even the hardcore criminals get. What is his fault? He is making schools. He has given free electricity to the people. He is making mohalla clinics to give treatment to people. They are treating him as if they have caught a dreaded terrorist,” he said.
Quoting from the jail manual, Mann highlighted that according to its provisions, well-behaved prisoners are entitled to face-to-face meetings with visitors. He drew attention to past instances where prominent political figures like Chidambaram ji and Sonia Gandhi ji, as well as Parkash Singh Badal, were granted such meetings.
Expressing bewilderment, he questioned the rationale behind the denial of similar privileges to Kejriwal, stating, “I can’t figure out what kind of enmity they have.” Additionally, Mann disclosed that Kejriwal has entrusted him with the responsibility of campaigning in states where the party is contesting the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, overseeing visits, and coordinating meetings of the INDI alliance.
“I have told him about Punjab…and also informed that I have returned from Assam tomorrow, and will be going to Gujarat tomorrow for campaigning,” he said, adding that he will soon visit Delhi.
“Overall, unka concern yeh tha ki savindhan bachega to party bachegi (Overall, his concern was that if the Constitution is saved, only then the party will survive)… His (Kejriwal) message to the party workers and leaders was to not worry about him, but worry about the people and work for them,” Mann said.
Emphasizing the unity within AAP, Mann said: “We stand with him unwaveringly. Remember, on June 4, when the results are announced, AAP will emerge as a significant political force.”
AAP's organizational secretary and poll strategist Sandeep Pathak, who accompanied Mann, revealed that the Punjab Chief Minister was deeply moved after meeting Kejriwal, tears welling up in his eyes. “Treating him as if he were a terrorist is unjust. What is Modi ji's intention? Kejriwal is staunchly honest,” Mann lamented emotionally.
Stating that Kejriwal was more concerned about the people of Punjab and Delhi, Pathak said that Kejriwal will meet two of his Ministers every week and review the ongoing projects and works in their departments. “He also directed me to hold a meeting with all the MLAs and tell them to go to every street and from door-to-door and tell people about the work done by the AAP Government and that very soon he will come out of jail,” he said.
According to Pathak, Kejriwal said that he would roll out the Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana, under which every woman above 18 years will receive Rs 1,000 every month, as soon as he gets out of jail.
