Despite Arrest, Delhi CM Kejriwal Directs Water Minister to Tackle Water and Sewer Issues

New Delhi- Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, despite being in Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody, has issued his first directive to Water Minister Atishi Singh to address water and sewer-related challenges plaguing various parts of the National Capital. "If needed, seek assistance from the Lieutenant Governor; he will surely support you," Kejriwal conveyed to Atishi.

During a press conference on Sunday, Atishi lauded Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, acknowledging his recent arrest but emphasizing that his dedication to serving the people of Delhi remains steadfast.

"Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been arrested. He is in jail but the work for Delhi people will not stop." Even in jail, he is thinking about the people of Delhi, she added.

In the written directions, the chief minister said, "I have come to know that 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, effective and appropriate action should be taken to address the public's problem, Arvind Kejriwal said in the order.

Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21, hours after the Delhi High Court refused to grant him interim protection from coercive action in the excise policy case. On Saturday, the Delhi chief minister moved the high court against his arrest and remand by the ED. The matter is unlikely to be heard before March 27 when the court will reopen after Holi vacation.

During the press conference, Atishi emotionally highlighted the profound dedication of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to the welfare of Delhi's residents, even from his custody by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Atishi shared how she was deeply moved when she received the directives from Kejriwal, stating, "He has given me these directions from ED custody. My eyes welled up with tears when I received this... Who thinks like this even in a situation like this? Even from jail, he is a person who is thinking about the people of Delhi..." She emphasized that Kejriwal's concern for the citizens of Delhi, even amidst personal adversity, is unparalleled.

Reading out Kejriwal's instructions, Atishi assured the public of his continued dedication to overseeing the ongoing works and projects in Delhi. "Even today from jail, Arvind Kejriwal-ji is thinking about the people of Delhi and the ongoing works in Delhi. I assure you on his behalf that he is keeping a full tab on the ongoing works and the Delhi government and is taking care of the people," she affirmed.

Responding to inquiries about Kejriwal's role in running the Delhi government while in custody, Atishi clarified that he has been actively reviewing all departmental activities and projects. She emphasized that despite his current circumstances, Kejriwal remains vigilant in addressing issues such as water supply problems anticipated during the upcoming summer months. Atishi reiterated that the directions issued by the Chief Minister will be diligently implemented by the concerned departments and officers.