Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal issues first direction from ED custody, instructs Atishi to solve water & sewer issues

Addressing a press conference, Atishi said the directions, received late on Saturday, brought tears to her eyes with Kejriwal showing concern for the people of Delhi despite his own plight.

New Delhi: Continuing as Chief Minister despite his arrest, Arvind Kejriwal issued his first direction from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody, asking his cabinet colleague Atishi to immediately take steps to address possible scarcity of water in the capital during the approaching summer.

In his written directions, Kejriwal said, “I might be in jail, but people of Delhi shouldn't be inconvenienced…Immediate and proper resolution of public problems should be ensured. If necessary, seek the cooperation of the Lieutenant Governor as well. He will surely assist you.”

Atishi, who holds the Water portfolio in the Delhi government, said she received the directions from the Chief Minister late Saturday night and it “brought tears to my eyes”, as Kejriwal was more concerned with people's issues despite being targeted by the union government.

Arvind Kejriwal's instructions to Atishi,

Kejriwal was arrested on Thursday in connection with a money-laundering case linked to the Delhi excise policy. He is presently in ED custody. The AAP had announced that he would remain Chief Minister while Kejriwal said his life is dedicated to the nation whether he is inside or outside jail.

Experts said that Kejriwal could technically continue as Chief Minister even if he is in custody but there could be practical difficulties.

Atishi said the Chief Minister directed her to take steps for deploying water tankers in areas where there is scarcity to strengthen supply ahead of the summer months. He also directed to issue instructions to the Chief Secretary and other officers.

In a post on 'X', she said Kejriwal has “sent instructions to me as the Water Minister – that the water and sewer problems faced by the people of Delhi should be resolved immediately, and adequate water tankers should be arranged in the summer.”

“When I read these instructions I had tears in my eyes. I thought, what is this person made of, who is not thinking about himself in such an adverse situation, but is thinking about the people of Delhi. Arvind Kejriwal does not consider himself just the Chief Minister of Delhiites, he considers every Delhiite as a member of his family,” she said.

“So being a son, an elder brother, even in custody he is worried 24 hours a day about his family of 2 crore people of Delhi. He is thinking only about the people of Delhi,” she added.