Arvind Kejriwal's Bid to Govern Delhi from Tihar Jail Sparks Controversy

The arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the excise policy case has sparked a political firestorm, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) accusing the central government of orchestrating a conspiracy to destabilize the Delhi government. Kejriwal, who is currently lodged in Tihar Jail, has appealed to the Supreme Court against a Delhi High Court order that dismissed his plea challenging the arrest.

The controversy took a new turn when the ED accused Kejriwal, a type 2 diabetes patient, of deliberately consuming high-sugar foods like mangoes and sweets to raise his sugar levels and create grounds for medical bail. The agency claimed that Kejriwal is eating these items every day despite his medical condition, in an attempt to manipulate the court into granting him sympathetic treatment on medical grounds.

The AAP has vehemently refuted these allegations, with Delhi Cabinet minister Atishi accusing the ED of lying about Kejriwal's diet. Atishi claimed that Kejriwal is taking an artificial sweetener and is not consuming high-sugar foods as alleged by the ED. She further stated that Kejriwal's blood sugar levels have been consistently above 300 mg/dL, but he has been denied insulin by the Tihar Jail authorities despite repeated requests.

Why this matters: The arrest of a sitting Chief Minister by a central agency and the subsequent allegations and counter-allegations have raised questions about the use of investigative agencies in political battles. The controversy also highlights the challenges faced by high-profile inmates in accessing medical care while in custody.

The AAP has alleged that there is a plot to kill Kejriwal by denying him access to home-cooked food and insulin shots in jail, a charge rejected by the prison authorities. The party claimed that efforts are being made to stop the supply of home-cooked food to Kejriwal in order to harm his health.

Delhi Lt Governor VK Saxena has asked the Director General of Prisons to submit a factual report on the AAP's allegations within 24 hours. The LG has expressed grave concern over the reports and assured that no laxity will be tolerated with regards to the CM's health, even though the prisons come under the jurisdiction of the AAP government.

The court has sought a report from Tihar Jail on Kejriwal's diet chart and has listed the case for further hearing on April 19. Kejriwal has also moved the court seeking permission to provide insulin in jail, with the hearing scheduled for today, due to fluctuating sugar levels.

The ongoing legal battle and the war of words between the AAP and the central government have intensified political tensions in the national capital. The AAP has accused the BJP and the ED of attempting to endanger Kejriwal's well-being, while the BJP has dismissed these claims and challenged the AAP to produce medical prescriptions advising Kejriwal's diet. As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen how the court will address the concerns raised by both sides regarding Kejriwal's health and access to medical care in Tihar Jail.

Key Takeaways

• Kejriwal arrested by ED in excise policy case, AAP alleges conspiracy
• ED accuses Kejriwal of eating high-sugar foods to manipulate medical bail
• AAP claims Kejriwal denied insulin, home-cooked food in Tihar Jail
• Delhi LG seeks report on AAP's allegations, court to hear Kejriwal's plea
• Ongoing legal battle and political tensions between AAP and BJP