New Delhi, . The judicial custody of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, arrested on March 21 in the excise policy case, was on Monday extended till April 15 and now the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor will be kept in Tihar Jail. Due to this, the process of running the government from jail is likely to become more complicated.
According to sources, Kejriwal has been kept in Tihar jail number 2. They will be allowed to meet Delhi government officials in connection with work, as per the names submitted and accepted in court.
Kejriwal can also meet family members twice a week, but their names must be on the list that has been approved by jail security. Kejriwal, who is suffering from diabetes, will also undergo regular health checkups.
Meanwhile, former Tihar Jail PRO Sunil Kumar Gupta said that it would be extremely challenging for him to run the government from behind bars.
“The chief minister requires a dedicated support system. At present, none of the 16 jails have the necessary infrastructure to accommodate the chief minister’s office,” Gupta said.
He said governance involves more than just signing documents as it requires holding cabinet meetings, consulting with ministers, engaging with staff and communicating with the Lieutenant Governor.
Gupta said, “It is practically impossible to set up a chief minister’s office within the prison. On the contrary, prisoners are allowed daily brief, recorded phone calls with their families.”
Kejriwal’s former deputy Manish Sisodia is lodged in Tihar Jail No. 1, while former Delhi Minister Satyendar Jain is in Jail No. 7 and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh is in Jail No. 5.
According to jail sources, Kejriwal will be treated like other prisoners and will be given breakfast at 6.30 am along with tea and some bread slices like other prisoners.
A source said, “Lunch is served between 10.30 am and 11 am, and consists of dal, vegetable and five rotis or rice. From noon to 3 pm, the prisoners are kept in their cells. After noon, they get tea and two biscuits at 3.30. They can meet their lawyers at 4 pm.
“Dinner is served at 5.30 pm. There is lockdown at 7 pm. Kejriwal can watch television except during specified jail activities. 18 to 20 news, entertainment, and sports channels are available on television.”
