Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, currently in Tihar Jail facing corruption charges, is set to meet his Punjab counterpart, Bhagwant Mann, on April 15, officials informed on Friday. The meeting is scheduled for noon and will adhere to the jail manual without any special arrangements.
Following discussions between officials from Tihar Jail, Delhi Police, and Punjab Police, a security plan was devised for the meeting. Kejriwal, after his incarceration on March 21 in connection with the alleged liquor policy scam, had provided a list of six individuals, including his wife and children, permitted for visits, with Bhagwant Mann included in the list.
Accused of involvement in the scrapped liquor policy, purportedly yielding kickbacks of ₹600 crore for AAP’s electoral activities, Kejriwal has been under judicial custody since April 1. Despite health concerns, which have since stabilized, he has been granted allowances like home-cooked meals, bottled water, and special bedding due to his diabetes.
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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) alleges Kejriwal’s central role in formulating the controversial policy and has portrayed him as the “kingpin.” Kejriwal has vehemently refuted the accusations, attributing them to a ploy to undermine AAP’s electoral prospects.
Bhagwant Mann, a vocal supporter of Kejriwal, has defended him ardently, asserting that only AAP can counter BJP’s influence. Mann had earlier expressed intentions to secure court permission for Kejriwal to govern Delhi from jail, a proposition contested by the BJP.
The BJP has consistently argued against Kejriwal’s continuation as Chief Minister while in custody, whereas AAP contends that he remains innocent until proven guilty and thus is entitled to his position. Kejriwal has issued directives to ministers from jail, which have sparked disputes with the BJP.
The political tussle between AAP and BJP over Kejriwal’s governance from jail continues, highlighting the ongoing confrontation between the two parties.
