Statehood for Delhi: AAP to launch massive campaign
NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party on Sunday decided to organised protests all over the city to press for the demand of full statehood of Delhi.
From June 17 till 24, the party will organise around 300 meetings in the Capital and, on July 1, Chief Minister and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal will announce the future of the protest at the IGI Stadium.
The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Kejriwal, with MLAs and ward-level office-bearers of the party, and was held at the CM's residence to discuss the strategy on the issue.
"When people in other states vote and pay taxes, the state is ruled by their elected governments. But, here in Delhi, despite voting and paying taxes, the Delhi government elected by them does not have any power. This is an insult to the Constitution of India," AAP leader Gopal Rai said at the meeting.
He added that the people of Delhi were unable to get their full rights, even after 70 years of independence. "In no state can a government come with more majority (than the AAP in Delhi). Even after that, people here have to look at the Centre for the smallest of works. It is an insult to the people of Delhi," said Rai.
Asked why the AAP was doing all this after enjoying power for three years, Rai said: "In the past three years, we have done every possible thing – from requesting to praying to the Home Ministry to the Lieutenant Governor. But as the speed of developmental works is slowed, we are forced to take this step."
Rai, who serves as the Rural Development Minister of Delhi, said that AAP is ready to share powers with the Centre. "The reason for Delhi not accorded the status of a state is that it is the national Capital. We are ready for the New Delhi Municipal Council areas under the Centre. But there are no embassies in Burari and Narela areas – why should people from these areas suffer even when there is no central government office in these areas?" Rai asked.
Earlier, addressing the meeting, Kejriwal compared the post of Delhi Lieutenant Governor to that of the British era Viceroy and the Centre with the British rulers. "In 1947, the country got freedom. Throughout the country, it was decided that people's rule will replace the Viceroy's rule. But in Delhi, the LG was appointed in place of the Viceroy. The people of Delhi were cheated," Kejriwal said.
