New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi chief Arvind Kejriwal promised free water, but in the process has opened a floodgate.
On Monday morning, demands came flowing in like an avalanche thick and fast. People came with all sorts of demands – from employees of cat ambulance to sweepers to DTC temporary staff, all seeking regularising their jobs.
Arvind Kejriwal unwell, works from home
Holding placards, various organisations held meeting outside Kejriwal’s residence demanding an assurance, not realising that the Delhi Chief Minister was unwell.
The police had a tough time as the placard holders held up traffic on a busy Monday.
All that Kejriwal needs is 10 days
Meanwhile, the crucial meeting on supply of free water has been scheduled for 4 pm today amidst speculations that a decision may be hard to come by.
AAP leader Kumar Vishwas said Kejriwal was running fever and had a terrible bowel and may need drip as he had lost a lot of fluids.
He said Kejriwal is under observation as his health condition is not good and he has lost weight. "But he is in touch with officials of several departments including Delhi Jal Board," he said.
Officials said Kejriwal will chair a meeting of Delhi Jal Board at his residence in Ghaziabad to discuss ways to provide free 700 litres of water per Delhi household as promised by him. Earlier, the meeting was scheduled at Delhi Secretariat.
In its manifesto, the Aam Aadmi Party had promised to provide 700 litres of free water daily to each household in the city.
In a series of tweets this morning, 45-year-old Kejriwal said, "Running 102 fever since yesterday. Severe loose motions. Sad that I won't be able to attend office today.
"It was so important to attend office today.We had planned the water announcement. God, bahut galat time par bimaar kiya. (God, you have made me ill at the wrong time)", he tweeted.
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Sources said the Chief Minister is likely to order inquiry into finances of the three private power distribution companies soon. The government is also likely to make announcements in cutting electricity tariff. The AAP had promised to slash the tariff by 50 per cent.
A number of officials including Excise Commissioner A.K. Singh met Kejriwal.
Scores of employees from various government departments like CATS Ambulance Service, Home Guards and contractual teachers lined up at Kejriwal's residence seeking resolution of their grievances.
The Aam Aadmi Party, in a tweet, asked people to stop gathering outside Kejriwal's home, saying he needed rest.
"Dear Delhi citizens and well wishers. Please dont reach Kejriwal 's home and make the place crowded. Arvind needs rest," it said. Meanwhile, all the six ministers attended office at Delhi Secretariat and held meetings with officials of their departments.
Manish Sisodia, Minister for Education, Urban Development and PWD, reached the secretariat at 9:30 AM and held a series of meetings with officials. He said government would soon announce steps to provide relief to residents of unauthorised colonies.
Sisodia also promised to streamline the nursery admission process.
"We will not allow private schools to charge hefty fees for admission in nursery class. We will streamline the process," he said. Meanwhile, some journalists were miffed at not being allowed to go to Chief Minister's office on the third floor in Delhi Secretariat.
