The political dispute between Delhi Lt Governor VK Saxena and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has intensified over the health of jailed Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. AAP leader Atishi reported that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s blood sugar levels had dangerously fallen below 50 mg/dL multiple times while he remains in Tihar Jail under judicial custody.
In a letter to Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar, Lt Governor VK Saxena expressed concerns about Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s health based on a report from the prison Superintendent. Saxena alleged that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal might be deliberately avoiding the prescribed medical diet and medications, including insulin, despite having Type II Diabetes Mellitus. The letter cited several instances of “willful low-calorie intake” by the Chief Minister, despite being provided with sufficient home-cooked food. The LG’s office noted discrepancies in the medical reports, indicating variations between glucometer test readings and continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) readings. The letter also mentioned a weight loss of 2 kg since Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s surrender on June 2, attributing it to insufficient calorie intake.
“The report also suggests loss of weight (now 61.5 kg which earlier was 63.5 kg on the date of surrender – June 2, 2024). Prima facie, it appears to be due to less calorie intake,” the letter read.
AAP’s Response
The Aam Aadmi Party has strongly denied the LG’s allegations. “The Chief Minister’s sugar level has come below 50 more than eight times. In such a situation, Chief Minister Kejriwal can go into a coma, and there is also a risk of brain stroke,” Atishi said.
AAP leader Sanjay Singh criticized the LG’s letter in a fiery social media post. “What kind of joke are you making, LG Sir? Would a man reduce his sugar levels at night? This is very dangerous. LG Sir, if you do not know about the disease, then you should not write such a letter. God forbid such a time ever comes to you,” he said.
Party leader Saurabh Bhardwaj echoed similar sentiments. “I know that the Lieutenant Governor used to work in a cement manufacturing company. I don’t know if he specializes in diabetes,” he said.
Legal Proceedings
The Delhi High Court recently stayed a trial court order granting bail to Kejriwal in the excise policy money laundering case, following a plea by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The court has scheduled a hearing for August 7 to further deliberate on the matter.
Kejriwal’s legal team has argued that the Supreme Court had granted interim bail, seeking time to file a rejoinder. The ED, however, has contended that the bail was granted based on irrelevant considerations, urging the court to cancel it.
The escalating political conflict and health concerns of the Chief Minister continue to draw attention, as the legal battle over his bail and the management of his health in custody unfolds.
