Arvind Kejriwal writes open letter on landing in jail

AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal on Friday explained to his supporters the circumstances behind him being in jail even as his party launched a mass contact programme over the issue to strengthen its support base with an eye on Assembly elections in Delhi.

Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal on Friday explained to his supporters the circumstances behind him being in jail even as his party chalked out a plan of action for the next 15 days during the meeting and vowed to pump in more energy to build the organisation afresh.

"I took on former BJP president Nitin Gadkari and exposed him, but he is roaming scot-free and I have been put in jail. They asked me to take bail, but what crime have I committed to take bail?" Kejriwal said in a letter, which was signed "Prisoner No.3642, Jail No.4 Tihar."

A week after its Lok Sabha poll debacle, the AAP on Friday held its much-awaited volunteers' meet to introspect and chart out new strategies. The letter was read out by senior party leader Manish Sisodia at the meet.

Kejriwal added that in the fight against corruption, he has braved hunger, police's batons and insult and, now, Tihar (prison).

"Now you are my only strength. Please pray for me," he said in the letter.

The party has decided to hold 'sankalp sabhas' to explain Kejriwal's stand to the people and distribute his letter across the city.

"We will hold volunteers' meet at each of the 70 assembly seats from tomorrow (Saturday) to Monday. From Monday till next Sunday, printed copies of Kejriwal's letter will reach every single household across Delhi," Gopal Rai, party leader, said.

The meetings will also kick-start AAP's "person-to-person" campaign for the Delhi assembly elections.