'His weight is constant at 65 Kg': Tihar Jail counters AAP's claims on Arvind Kejriwal's 'declining' health
New Delhi: Jailed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's health became a bone of contention on Wednesday with AAP claiming that he has lost 4.5 kg since his arrest on March 21 while accusing the BJP of putting his health at risk by keeping him in prison.
On its part, Tihar jail administration said Kejriwal weight has been constant at 65 kg since his judicial custody began two days ago and home-cooked food is being provided as per court order.
Delhi Minister Atishi said Kejriwal is a severe diabetic whose sugar level needs to be monitored at regular intervals throughout the day and his medicines, insulin injections, food, and diet have to be in tune with the fluctuating sugar level.
“Ever since he has been arrested by the BJP-led Central government, there is a serious threat to his health. When he was in ED's custody, his sugar level dropped thrice. His sugar level once dropped down to 46 mg/dL, which could be life-threatening. He has lost 4.5 kg in the past 12 days. Being a diabetic patient, losing so much weight in such a short time can lead to severe complications,” she said.
She said he never allowed his diabetes and health issues to become a hindrance in serving the country and he even went on hunger strike despite his health condition. "If anything happens to the health of Arvind Kejriwal in custody, the country will not forgive you (BJP), even God will not forgive you. You have stooped down to this level only to crush him," she added.
In a statement, Tihar jail administration said Kejriwal's vitals are normal.
"Upon arrival on April 1, Kejriwal was examined by two doctors and all vitals were normal. Also, his weight is constant at 65 kg till date. home-cooked food is being provided as per court order... Kejriwal's weight was 65 kg, sugar level 139 (random blood sugar) and blood pressure (BP) was recorded 120/82 on April 1," it said.
The weight remained at 65 kg, sugar level increased to 182 (RBS) and BP stood at 121/83 on April 2. His weight was recorded at 65 kg, sugar level at 140 (RBS) and BP was 116/82, it added.
Senior AAP leader Dilip Pandey said they are worried and scared about his health, "because the BJP can do anything to serve its political interests".
Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor said Kejriwal "appeared in best of health on every court appearance...But once in jail, within a day AAP is claiming loss of weight and sugar level issues. And all these claims are to remain in news to create sympathy".