Kejriwal fast enters 13th day, part-II of protest announced
Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday—the 12th day of his indefinite fast against inflated power and water bills — announced the second phase of his party’s “civil disobedience movement” from April 6.
Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday—the 12th day of his indefinite fast against inflated power and water bills — announced the second phase of his party’s “civil disobedience movement” from April 6.
Buoyed by the “increasing number of support letters”, Kejriwal recalled that on April 6, 1930, Mahatma Gandhi had broken the Salt Act after the Dandi March to launch the civil disobedience movement.
“Our civil disobedience movement is inspired by this. We now move on to the next phase. I appeal to Delhi people to start re-connecting the severed power connections. AAP volunteers will help those living in slum redevelopment clusters,” a visibly weak Kejriwal told supporters.
On Wednesday, the AAP claimed that nearly 10 lakh Delhiites had vowed to not pay inflated power and water bills.
Reacting to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report tabled in the Delhi Assembly on Tuesday, the party said the audit body validated AAP’s claim that there was large-scale corruption in Delhi Jal Board (DJB) and the power department. “But what will happen to this report? Will it also be sidelined and put in cold storage like the earlier CAG reports? Who will investigate these charges?” the party said.
On the 12th day of his fast, Kejriwal’s health parameters remained “within normal range”, the AAP claimed in a statement. His blood pressure showed 107/69, pulse 72 and weight was 57.7 kg.
Self-immolation bid?
A youth in his twenties allegedly tried to immolate himself in front of the stage in the afternoon. When he started pouring kerosene on himself, people present stopped him. “This fast will not help, Kejriwal should end it as the government is insensitive,” he reportedly told people.
AAP spokesperson Sisodia said: “We were not able to identify him.” Kejriwal was inside his room when the incident happened.