As pressure mounts on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to step down, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has indicated its strategy of not appointing anyone else to the post. This became apparent when Kejriwal issued his first direction from Enforcement Directorates custody on Sunday. The directive, conveyed in a written note handed over via his lawyer to the chief ministers office, instructed Minister Atishi, responsible for the water portfolio, to address water and sewer-related issues in specific areas of the city, according to the partys statement.The Enforcement Directorate (ED) responded to this move, stating that it would investigate the partys claim as no stationery is allowed for individuals in custody. Sources indicated that Atishi would be questioned about the source of the purported order, who delivered it to her, and when it was received. The agency intends to verify these claims through CCTV footage. Atishi earlier disclosed the contents of the CMs “note” to her during a press conference.In the note, Kejriwal expressed concern about water and sewage problems in certain parts of Delhi. He emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues promptly to avoid public inconvenience, especially with the approaching summer season. Kejriwal also directed Atishi to coordinate with officials, including the chief secretary, and if necessary, seek cooperation from the lieutenant governor to resolve these challenges effectively.During the press meet, Atishi shared her emotional response upon reading Kejriwals instructions, noting his unwavering concern for the people of Delhi despite his personal challenges. She praised Kejriwals dedication and stated that his love and responsibility for Delhis residents cannot be constrained by his current circumstances.However, the Delhi BJP spokesperson, Praveen Shankar Kapoor, dismissed Kejriwals letter to Atishi as a mere attempt to garner publicity. He accused AAP leaders of engaging in gimmicks and suggested that the letter was a melodramatic effort to stay relevant in the news cycle.The ED has taken a keen interest in this development, particularly regarding Kejriwals personal assistant Bibhav Kumar, who is already under investigation for alleged destruction of evidence related to the liquor scam case. The agency is also looking into the possibility of the order being facilitated through one of Kejriwals lawyers or his wife Sunita Kejriwal, both of whom have met him during his custody.
