“We are all fighting against dictatorship together. If something happens to me in my effort to save the country, even if I lose my life, do not be sad.” Kejriwal said in a press conference
NEW DELHI: On May 31: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal gave an emotional message that despite the Centre’s attempts to break, bend, and silence him, he remains undeterred and will return to jail on June 2 with high spirits to save the country from dictatorship.
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Kejriwal declared that he wouldn’t “bow down” even if subjected to increased “torture,” questioning how long he would be kept in jail this time.
Kejriwal recounted the alleged torture he faced during his previous jail days, including being denied insulin injections despite being a serious diabetic for 20 years, which caused his sugar levels to spike dangerously.
“I have been a serious diabetic for 20 years, requiring daily insulin injections for the past decade. I administer these injections into my stomach four times each day. However, during my time in jail, there were many days when I was denied these crucial insulin injections, causing my blood sugar levels to soar to 300–325 mg/dL. Sustained high sugar levels can lead to kidney and liver damage. I don’t understand their motives for doing this,” he said.
He also mentioned that he lost 6 kg during his 50-day imprisonment, dropping from 70 kg to 64 kg, and has not regained the weight since being released on interim bail.
“Doctors have indicated that this could be a sign of a serious underlying condition. Several tests are necessary to determine the cause. Additionally, my urine ketone levels have increased significantly,” he added.
The Aam Aadmi Party national convener, arrested in connection with the liquor policy case, had been granted interim bail by the Supreme Court until June 1 to campaign for the Lok Sabha elections.
Since his release, Kejriwal has actively campaigned in Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra for AAP and India bloc partners.
Kejriwal assured Delhi residents that there would be no instability and that essential services, including 24-hour free electricity, treatment in mohalla clinics and hospitals, and free bus travel for women, would continue uninterrupted.
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“Wherever I am, inside or outside the jail, I will not let the work in Delhi stop,” he affirmed.
“We are all fighting against dictatorship together. If something happens to me in my effort to save the country, even if I lose my life, do not be sad.”
Kejriwal said, expressing confidence that the people’s blessings would protect him and serve as his shield in the future. He made an emotional appeal to the people of Delhi to look after his aged and ailing parents, asking for prayers for their well-being.
Kejriwal also praised his wife, Sunita, describing her as “very strong” and supportive through difficult phases of his life.
“I just want to say that if God wishes, your son will return very soon,” he added.
He announced his plan to surrender on Sunday around 3 pm, expressing a commitment to fighting dictatorship and asking supporters not to grieve if anything happens to him. Kejriwal also requested Delhiites to look after his aged and ailing parents and praised his wife, Sunita, for her strength and support.
In response, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva accused Kejriwal of lying and conspiring to feign illness for sympathy. Sachdeva questioned why Kejriwal, if truly ill, had been actively campaigning and assured that a medical team would evaluate his health thoroughly.
READ ALSO: Excise Policy ‘Scam’ | Arvind Kejriwal’s Regular Bail Hearing Rescheduled to June 7
Background:
Arvind Kejriwal, the leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has challenged his arrest and remand by the ED in a money laundering case related to alleged irregularities in the framing of the Delhi excise policy for 2021-2022. The ED’s investigation stems from a case registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in 2022 based on a complaint filed by Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena.
It is alleged that AAP leaders, including Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, conspired to create loopholes in the excise policy to favor certain liquor sellers. Kejriwal was arrested on March 21.
