On Friday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced his intention to turn himself in to the police at Tihar Jail on Sunday. The Aam Aadmi Party leader, currently on interim bail, stated that he has recently experienced symptoms indicative of a severe illness.
Kejriwal emphasized the necessity for comprehensive medical examinations to exclude the likelihood of any significant ailment. Additionally, he urged the people of Delhi to provide support and care for his unwell parents.
Arvind Kejriwal’s statement
“The Supreme Court had given me 21 days to campaign for the elections. The day after tomorrow I will go back to Tihar Jail. I don’t know how long these people will keep me in jail this time. But my spirits are high. I am proud that I am going to jail to save the country from dictatorship. They tried to break me in many ways, tried to silence me, but they did not succeed. When I was in jail, they tortured me in many ways. They stopped my medicines… I don’t know what these people wanted. Why did they do this?” said Arvind Kejriwal, reported ANI.
Arvind Kejriwal mentioned that he has shed approximately 10 percent of his body weight since his incarceration. He further noted that there has been no weight gain since his release on interim bail. Kejriwal expressed concern that this weight loss might be indicative of an underlying health issue.
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“When I went to jail, my weight was 70 kg, today it is 64 kg. Even after being released from jail, I am not gaining weight. Doctors are saying that this can also be a sign of some serious disease in the body. Many tests need to be done,” said Kejriwal.
The Aam Aadmi Party leader stated that he plans to depart from his residence for Tihar Jail at 3 pm.
Kejriwal pledged to continue his efforts towards the development of the national capital even while confined in jail.
“It is possible that this time they may torture me more, but I will not bow down… Wherever I live, inside or outside. I will not let the work of Delhi stop. Your free electricity, mohalla clinics, hospitals, free medicines, treatment, 24-hour electricity and many other things will continue and after returning I will also start giving ₹1000 every month to every mother and sister. Today I want to ask something from you for my family. My parents are very old. My mother is very ill. I worry a lot about her in jail. Take care of my parents after me, pray for them,” he added.
Arvind Kejriwal and several AAP leaders face accusations of receiving kickbacks in exchange for implementing a liquor policy that favored a specific group of businessmen and politicians. On March 21, Kejriwal was taken into custody.
Earlier this month, despite objections from the Enforcement Directorate, the Supreme Court granted him a 21-day reprieve from jail to enable him to campaign for his party in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.
However, earlier this week, the Supreme Court declined to entertain his request for an extension of interim bail, stating that he had the option to approach the trial court.
On Thursday, Arvind Kejriwal petitioned a court in Delhi seeking regular bail in connection with the excise policy case.
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