Published on: March 26, 2024 at 20:45 IST
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, currently in Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody, has issued a second order from jail, according to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Kejriwal, detained in connection with a case linked to the excise policy, issued an order for the health department, as disclosed by Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj.
Expressing concern for the healthcare of the state, Kejriwal directed attention to the challenges faced by people undergoing tests at Mohalla clinics. Bharadwaj assured the public that despite Kejriwal’s incarceration, the Chief Minister remains dedicated to their welfare, emphasizing that Kejriwal’s actions are aimed at alleviating public suffering.
This recent directive follows Kejriwal’s first government order from jail issued on March 24 concerning the Water Department of the Delhi Government, led by senior party leader Atishi.
Despite his arrest on March 21 in connection with the Delhi Liquor Policy case, Kejriwal has affirmed his refusal to resign as Chief Minister and vows to continue conducting official duties from ED custody.
Meanwhile, the AAP has called for a protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence in Delhi on March 26 in response to Kejriwal’s arrest, although Delhi Police has yet to grant permission for the demonstration.
The ED has accused AAP and its ministers of accepting bribes exceeding ₹100 crores from liquor contractors nearly two years ago, alleging that AAP used ₹45 crore for the Goa assembly elections. AAP has vehemently denied these corruption allegations, asserting they are fabricated.
The case leading to Kejriwal’s arrest involves alleged irregularities and money laundering related to the framing and implementation of the Delhi Excise Policy 2022, subsequently annulled.
In addition to Kejriwal, other AAP leaders, including former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, are also in ED custody in connection with the case.