The Lieutenant Governor’s Office sent a letter to Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar, expressing concern over Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s reported non-compliance with his prescribed diet while in jail on Saturday. According to a report from the prison Superintendent, Kejriwal has not been consuming the full diet prescribed for him, despite receiving adequate home-cooked meals. The report notes that from June 6, 2024, to July 13, 2024, Kejriwal failed to consume his full diet, resulting in a weight loss from 63.5 kg to 61.5 kg, which appears to be due to insufficient calorie intake.
The letter further highlighted the LG’s concern about Kejriwal’s adherence to his medical diet and medications, urging that reasons for these deviations be investigated due to potential medical and legal consequences. The LG also recommended that prison authorities ensure Kejriwal follows his medication and diet strictly, given his Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus. It suggested implementing strict protocols for monitoring his blood sugar levels.
In response, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) questioned the LG’s motives, alleging that there is a genuine threat to Kejriwal’s life. AAP leader Sanjay Singh criticized the LG’s remarks, calling them dangerous and accusing him of lacking understanding of diabetes. Delhi Minister Atishi accused the BJP of plotting to harm Kejriwal and claimed that his low sugar levels, which have dropped below 50 multiple times, could lead to severe health issues such as a brain stroke or coma.
Atishi also accused the BJP of politicizing Kejriwal’s health and demanded that they stop endangering his life. She pointed out that Kejriwal has been diabetic for 30 years and that sudden drops in blood sugar can be fatal.
In related legal news, the Delhi High Court scheduled a hearing for August 7 on the Enforcement Directorate’s plea challenging a trial court’s decision to grant regular bail to Kejriwal in the excise policy money laundering case. Kejriwal’s lawyers requested additional time to file a rejoinder, citing recent Supreme Court interim bail. The Enforcement Directorate argued that the trial court’s bail order should be cancelled due to irrelevant considerations or overlooked evidence.