First quench Delhiites' thirst and then care about Latur, Sheila Dikshit tells Arvind Kejriwal

New Delhi: Former Delhi Chief Minister on Tuesday slammed Arvind Kejriwal for offering water to drought-hit Latur district of Maharashtra.

The senior Congress leader said that Delhi Chief Minister should first ensure about water requirement for Delhi and then think about other states. 

"Delhi itself is facing water crisis but Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has decided to send water outside. He should quench the thirst of Delhiites first. There are many places in Delhi itself where the people don't get water to drink. Kejriwal should first ensure the water requirement in Delhi and then send to elsewhere," Shiela Dikshit was quoted as saying. 

"Kejriwal feels it is necessary for him to comment on everything. similarly this is also a comment," she added.

On Tuesday, Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party convenor wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and offered help to send least 10 lakh litres of water a day to Latur for next 2 months. 

Kejriwal had on Monday discussed the drought issue with Water Minister Kapil Mishra, who said Delhi Jal Board (DJB) was ready to send water to the parched district.

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.

"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.

Before the meeting, Kejriwal posted a tweet appealing to Delhiites to save water for the people in Latur.

"Severe water crisis in Latur. We all shud help. Are all Delhiites ready to save some water daily to send it for our people in Latur?," the Chief Minister had tweeted on Monday.