Statehood for Delhi within two-years: Kejriwal makes big poll promise
At a time when politicians are making tall promises ahead of crucial general elections, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also dived into the trend. On Thursday, he once again promised that he would get the national capital full statehood if Aam Aadmi Party wins all seven Lok Sabha seats. Kejriwal also said he would ensure every family gets a house if his party wins.
Every Delhite will get a concrete house, promises Kejriwal
Speaking at a gathering in Azadpur, Kejriwal said, "If the Aam Aadmi Party wins all seven seats in Delhi, we will ensure full statehood to Delhi within two years." He added within 10 years of Delhi getting a full statehood, every Delhite will get a concrete house. Kejriwal appealed to the attendees to not vote for a Prime Minister but for full statehood.
Earlier this week, Kejriwal reminded PM Modi of his promise
A full statehood for Delhi has been one of Kejriwal's long-standing demands. Earlier this week, he targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the same by tweeting: Sir. Delhi is also waiting for its statehood day. U had promised to the people of Delhi that you wud grant full statehood to Delhi. Kindly do it, sir. People of Delhi have faced injustice for 70 years now (sic).
Kejriwal thinks Union Territory status is hurting Delhi
Kejriwal claims the division of powers between Centre and Delhi's state government stops him from working. Last year, he staged nine-day sit-in protest at the Lieutenant-Governor Anil Baijal's residence. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court delivered a verdict underlining the powers of L-G and state. The top court noted Delhi can't get full statehood and power to set up corruption bureau lies with Centre.
I can't transfer even a peon, Kejriwal complained
The unfavorable verdict made Kejriwal upset. At a press conference after the decision, he lamented he didn't have the power to transfer officers. Echoing the same thoughts, he, on Wednesday, said his predecessor Sheila Dixit had the powers to transfer officers but he didn't. "How will we run the government if this is how things are? I can't even transfer a peon," he said.
Meanwhile, Kejriwal failed at joining hands with Congress
Notably, Kejriwal has been trying to stitch a pre-poll alliance with Congress. He opines this will not divert votes and will ensure BJP's ouster. But Kejriwal's "repeated" attempts didn't yield results as the grand old party turned his requests down. "The intentions of the Congress do not appear to be good," he said accusing the party of weakening AAP in Delhi.
Sheila Dixit said AAP is frustrated
But Kejriwal's statements were dismissed by Delhi Congress Chief Sheila Dixit. The three-time Chief Minister said, "He has not spoken to us. He does not know what he is saying. The AAP has reached the stage of frustration." Quite obviously, BJP took the opportunity to criticize AAP. Manoj Tiwari of BJP said, "Kejriwal is the king of U-Turns and Congress the mother of corruption."
