Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has not been provided a cooler in Tihar jail despite the extreme heatwave conditions in Delhi, where temperatures have soared to 48-50 degrees Celsius. Delhi minister Atishi made these allegations on Monday, accusing the BJP-led central government of harassment. Kejriwal surrendered at Tihar jail after his interim bail, granted by the Supreme Court in connection with the excise policy-linked money laundering case, ended on June 1.
Atishi claimed that Kejriwal’s arrest is part of a fake case orchestrated by the BJP. She asserted that while notorious criminals in Tihar jail are provided with coolers, Kejriwal has been denied this basic amenity. She questioned the BJP and the Lieutenant Governor, asking how low they would stoop in their efforts to harass Kejriwal.
In response to these allegations, a senior Tihar jail official stated that coolers are only given to inmates who are unwell and upon court orders. This clarification suggests that the provision of coolers is based on specific health conditions rather than arbitrary allocation.
Kejriwal’s surrender on Sunday led to his subsequent placement in judicial custody until June 5. Before turning himself in, he paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat, offered prayers at the Hanuman temple in Connaught Place, and addressed AAP leaders and supporters at the party office. During his speech, Kejriwal emphasized that he was returning to jail not because of corruption charges but because he spoke out against dictatorship.
Reflecting on the 21 days of interim relief granted by the Supreme Court, Kejriwal mentioned that he used this time to campaign for saving the country, putting the nation’s interests above those of his party. His remarks underscore his commitment to what he perceives as a larger fight for democracy and justice.
The situation highlights the ongoing political tensions between the AAP-led Delhi government and the BJP-led central government. It also brings attention to the conditions faced by political prisoners and the broader implications for democratic governance and individual rights in India.
