Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was in the holy city on Saturday on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. Dr Ranjana Gupta, younger sister of the Delhi CM, who resides in Haridwar, tied him rakhi. He arrived by Shatabdi Express around 11 am. He was escorted by eight cops of Delhi Police and CISF.
After arriving at Haridwar railway station, he refused to use a VIP car offered by the protocol officer of the district. He stated he could not use it, this visit being a purely personal one. This was his maiden visit to Haridwar since he became the Chief Minister of Delhi.
Dr Ranjana Gupta, a general physician and younger sister of the Delhi CM, looked elated after she tied her brother with the tiny thread that celebrates the tie of love between brother and sister at her residence. Prayer was offered for his long life and his forehead was marked with tilak, in keeping with the tradition associated with the festival.
Arvind Kejriwal’s youngest brother Manoj Kejriwal also arrived in Haridwar from Pune to participate in the festival. Delhi CM, however, chose to keep the gift he would give to his sister in reciprocation a secret from the mediapersons.
Dr Ranjana said she was so happy with her brother having taken time off his busy schedule to come here and take part in the rituals. “I have prepared for him a special dish- rice and chhola-his favourite. He is fond of frugal food, no extravaganza of any kind,” she said.