Kejriwal's first directive from Enforcement Directorate custody emerges

PTC News Desk: Amidst mounting questions regarding his ability to govern from prison, Arvind Kejriwal reportedly issued his inaugural directive from the Enforcement Directorate's lock-up, sources revealed today.

The directive pertained to the water supply in the national capital, with the Chief Minister issuing it via a note to Delhi Minister Atishi, who oversees the portfolio, according to sources.

Mr. Kejriwal's arrest by the ED on Thursday night, linked to a money laundering case associated with Delhi's now-repealed liquor policy, resulted in his remand in the central agency's custody for a week. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader has vehemently refuted the allegations leveled against him, instead accusing the BJP-led central government of exploiting investigative agencies for political ends.

While AAP has affirmed Kejriwal's continuity as Chief Minister despite his detention, practical constraints loom large. According to a former legal officer of Delhi's Tihar Jail, inmates are typically allowed only two meetings per week, making governance from behind bars exceedingly challenging.

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However, one potential solution exists: Kejriwal could potentially continue his role as Chief Minister if authorities place him under house arrest, a decision necessitating approval from Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena. Yet, such a scenario appears improbable, given historical tensions between the Centre's nominee and the AAP government.

The Union Home Ministry reportedly contemplates the repercussions of Kejriwal's refusal to resign. Legal experts suggest that the Centre may opt to suspend or remove him from office, following standard procedures for public servants arrested under similar circumstances. This aligns with protocols observed for government officials facing arrest, who are promptly suspended from service.

Kejriwal's apprehension marks the fourth high-profile arrest in the liquor policy case, following previous detentions of AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, alongside Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader K Kavitha.

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(Inputs from agencies)