Battle for full statehood not just for Delhiites, but for the country: Kejriwal
NEW DELHI: After returning from his naturopathy treatment course in Bengaluru, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday addressed a huge gathering to launch the full statehood campaign and said that this battle is for every citizen of this country.
"The battle for full statehood for Delhi is not that of Delhites alone. It is a battle for the people of the country and all political parties. We will call an all-party meeting on this issue," said the CM.
In his traditional style, he attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Centre and Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal in his speech.
The CM said that if Delhi was a full state, then the LG would not have the power to not meet the CM and the Cabinet on any issue.
"In Delhi, the writ of the LG runs, not the will of the people. It is LG raj, not democracy in Delhi. Whose writ should run in Delhi? That of the LG or that of the people of Delhi?" asked Kejriwal.
In the same tone, Kejriwal attacked the Centre over the appointment of the LG.
Seeking a role for Delhi government in the appointment of LG in Delhi, Kejriwal said, "Till Delhi does not become a full state, no LG should be appointed by the Centre without the Delhi government approving the name for appointment."
He further said the LG takes a decision on issues related to the welfare of Delhiites, despite the people electing a government that, he added, does not have any power. This only implies that the value of the vote of Delhiites is "zero", he said.
"This is a humiliation of Delhiites as they want CCTV cameras installed in the national capital. They want mohalla clinics, schools and ration but the LG will not allow all these happen, he said referring to the alleged roadblocks created by the LG office in implementing his government's programmes," Kejriwal told the large audience.
Speaking on his government's resolution adopted in the assembly seeking full statehood for Delhi, Kejriwal said both the BJP and Congress have "betrayed" the people of Delhi.
"Before elections, the parties in their manifestos would promise to give full-statehood status to Delhi, but none have done anything in the past 20 years on the issue," he said earlier.
He also asked for full statehood to Delhi so that 80 per cent reservation in jobs can be ensured to the young people. Giving full statehood to Delhi will also help the AAP government in building new colleges and legalising unauthorised colonies, he said.
Further, the CM said that the police will come under the Delhi government, which will make them accountable and responsible to the city government.
