Atishi leads AAP's protest as Arvind Kejriwal's blood sugar levels exceed 300 outside Tihar Jail
PTC News Desk: Amidst growing concerns over the health of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers staged a protest outside Delhi's Tihar jail, urging authorities to ensure Kejriwal's access to insulin.
At the forefront of the demonstration was Delhi Minister Atishi, who asserted that Kejriwal's blood sugar levels had soared beyond 300, highlighting the gravity of his medical condition.
Kejriwal's arrest on March 21 by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a money-laundering case has escalated worries about his health. Since his incarceration on April 1, concerns have intensified regarding his management of diabetes, a condition he has battled for three decades.
.@ArvindKejriwal जी का Sugar Level 300 पार हो गया है, लेकिन भाजपा राजनीति के इतने घटिया स्तर पर पहुँच चुकी है कि, उसके निर्देश पर तिहाड़ प्रशासन उन्हें इन्सुलिन देने को तैयार नहीं है।
जब तिहाड़ प्रशासन केजरीवाल जी को इन्सुलिन नहीं दे पाई तो दिल्ली की जनता ही अपने मुख्यमंत्री को… pic.twitter.com/wM8r2sLcZm — Atishi (@AtishiAAP) April 21, 2024
During the protest, Atishi condemned the alleged denial of insulin to Kejriwal by the Tihar jail administration, purportedly at the behest of the BJP. She emphasised that insulin is imperative for controlling blood sugar levels exceeding 300, a fact universally acknowledged by medical professionals.
Atishi's impassioned plea underscored the severity of the situation, accusing the BJP of subjecting Kejriwal to cruelty unparalleled even during colonial times.
In a further outcry against the perceived injustice, Atishi took to social media to denounce the BJP's alleged political machinations, asserting that denying insulin to Kejriwal amounted to a conspiracy against his life. She lamented the refusal of Tihar authorities to accept insulin offered by concerned citizens, casting doubt on the motives behind such actions.
The protest outside Tihar jail represents a broader concern regarding the treatment of incarcerated individuals, particularly those with pre-existing medical conditions. As the political standoff continues, the call for urgent medical intervention for Kejriwal reverberates across Delhi, amplifying the urgency for resolution amidst mounting apprehension over his health.
Saurabh Bharadwaj alleges Tihar Jail's contradictory actions regarding medical care
Delhi cabinet minister Saurabh Bharadwaj has accused Tihar authorities of inconsistency in their approach to medical care for inmates, particularly highlighting their recent request for a diabetologist from AIIMS. Bharadwaj revealed that the Director General of Prisons wrote to AIIMS on April 20, seeking the appointment of a diabetologist, despite earlier claims by Tihar of having adequate medical facilities for diabetics.
Expressing his concerns at a press conference, Bharadwaj pointed out the timing of the request, nearly 20 days after Arvind Kejriwal's incarceration in Tihar. He emphasised the apparent contradiction between Tihar's assurance of medical facilities and their subsequent appeal to AIIMS for specialist assistance.
Bharadwaj's remarks underscore the ongoing debate surrounding the adequacy of healthcare provisions within Tihar jail, particularly concerning high-profile inmates like Arvind Kejriwal.
Tihar jail responds to AAP leader's allegations
In response to Saurabh Bharadwaj's accusations, the Tihar administration issued a statement addressing the claims. According to news agency PTI, appropriate senior specialists from AIIMS conducted a consultation with Arvind Kejriwal via video conference on Saturday.
"After a detailed 40-minute consultation, Kejriwal was assured that there were no serious concerns and was advised to continue with the prescribed medicines, with regular evaluation and review," a jail official stated.
The video conference was facilitated by Tihar Jail administration upon a request from Arvind Kejriwal's wife, Sunita Kejriwal. Alongside a senior specialist from AIIMS, medical officers from Tihar also participated in the call.
The AIIMS specialist was provided with comprehensive records of Arvind Kejriwal's CGM (Glucose Monitoring Sensor) readings, as well as details regarding his diet and medication.
Contrary to earlier claims, the official emphasized that neither Arvind Kejriwal nor the doctors raised the issue of insulin during the consultation.
However, during a press conference, Saurabh Bharadwaj reiterated his suspicions of a conspiracy aimed at harming Kejriwal while in judicial custody. He highlighted the conflicting narratives surrounding Kejriwal's medical condition, with the AAP leader insisting on the need for insulin and consultation with his private doctor, while the BJP and Tihar Jail asserting his well-being without insulin.
- With inputs from agencies
