Former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit on Tuesday took a jibe at her successor Arvind Kejriwal over his letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi offering water to drought-hit Latur in Marathwada region, saying the AAP supremo should first quench the thirst of the people residing in different part of the national capital.
"He should quench the thirst of Delhiites first. There are many places in Delhi itself where the people don't get water to drink. First provide water to the people of Delhi then talk of Latur," Dikshit told ANI here.
"Kejriwal feels it is necessary for him to comment on everything. similarly this is also a comment," she added.
Lauding the Centre's move to send railway wagons with five lakh litres of water to the parched region of Latur, Kejriwal has said the Delhi Government is ready to offer 10 lakh litres of water every day for two months.
In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Modi, Kejriwal commended the Centre for helping out Latur, which is facing a severe water crisis at present, and said that it would be an embarrassment for modern India if cases of deaths were reported due to thirst.
"It will be a matter of great embarrassment that if someone dies of thirst in the 21st century India. It becomes a matter of duty and responsibility for the entire nation to help Latur. The people of Delhi are ready to offer 10 lakh litres of water every day for two months in Latur. If the centre is ready to transport this water to Latur, then the Delhi government will make arrangements quickly," the letter said.
Admitting that his offer came at a time when the national capital itself was facing water shortage, Kejriwal said the terrible conditions in Latur makes it the nation's responsibility to ensure that every possible aid is extended there.
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"If you agree, then an appeal can be sent to all Chief Ministers and I am sure that all states will extend their help towards this cause," the letter added.
Earlier today, the ten railway wagons with five lakh litres of water which left from Miraj Junction railway station yesterday, reached the parched region of Latur in Marathwada region.
"It's an occasion of happiness for us thanks to the government. The atmosphere here right now similar to that of Ramzan celebrations. People from all over the town have come to watch the train. We were able to disperse 200 litres of water in 15 days to the people, now thanks to the train we can do that in five to six days," Latur Mayor Shaikh Akhtar told ANI here.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had earlier said that the state government and the Railway Ministry were working hard to bring relief to the people in drought-affected region.