Row over Delhi CM’s ‘sugary’ diet: AAP claims ‘conspiracy to kill’ Kejriwal; BJP hits back

Delhi BJP MP Manoj Tiwari, meanwhile, demanded that Kejriwal be shifted to a jail outside the Capital as Tihar is under the jurisdiction of the AAP government.

Accusing the ED of lying in court, AAP minister Atishi said during a press conference, “The ED lied in court. It said Kejriwal is drinking sweet tea, eating mithai. This is a lie. His doctor has prescribed him erythritol, a low-calorie sweetener… The second lie is that he is eating bananas to increase his blood sugar level. Talk to any doctor and they will tell you that all patients suffering from acute diabetes are asked to keep two things — bananas and toffees or chocolates with them in case their sugar level dips suddenly. The third lie is that he is eating aloo puri every day… At least read the chart you submitted in court. He ate puri only on the first day of navratras. In our Hindu faith, aloo puri is eaten as prasad. You won’t allow this?”

She said that Kejriwal was suffering from acute diabetes and was earlier taking 54 units of insulin per day.

She said that since February 1, Kejriwal was undergoing an insulin reversal programme under the doctor’s supervision.

“For this, he was given a special diet, special exercises, besides being instructed to sleep at specific times, along with many other directions. That’s why his insulin was stopped. But since his arrest on March 21, the programme has been halted. Due to this, his sugar level has often spiked significantly or dropped suddenly. And for the past several days, his blood sugar level has been consistently above 300… he is repeatedly demanding insulin from Tihar Jail authorities, but they are not providing it… What conspiracy lies behind this? Is there an attempt to take his life?” she alleged.

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva called Atishi’s statements shameful. “She has shamelessly tried to say efforts are being made to stop home-cooked food, and to kill Kejriwal. There are thousands of diabetic patients in Indian jails and they are all given ideal food and medicines, including insulin… Kejriwal is aware the evidence held by investigative agencies is against him and it is difficult for him to obtain bail through normal means. Therefore, he is deliberately increasing his blood sugar levels.”