Kejriwal gets Nitish backing on statehood

Slamming the Centre, Kumar, who on Tuesday met Arvind Kejriwal at Delhi Secretariat here, said that people voted for Aam Aadmi Party and Kejriwal and they will hold him responsible.

“Delhi should get full statehood status. People cast their votes with lot of enthusiasm to form a government.

“People know those whom they give their votes to and do not understand the nitty-gritties.

“They (people) think that from law and order to crime and police all come under government’s control. In Delhi, police don’t come under state government,” Kumar said after his meeting with Kejriwal at the Delhi Secretariat.

He said since the government is accountable to people, Kejriwal should have the power to choose departmental secretaries.

“The campaign being run to give full statehood status to Delhi has overwhelming support of the people,” Kumar added.

The Bihar Chief Minister said his party will raise the issue in Parliament and try to garner support of other parties.

“Our leaders will coordinate with other party leaders and raise the issue in the Parliament to give full statehood status for Delhi.” 

Kejriwal also thanked Kumar for allowing Bihar Police personnel to join the Delhi Anti-Corruption Bureau.

The meeting between the two leaders assumes significance ahead of the Bihar polls as both are known to be bete-noire of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi is at loggerheads with the Centre. Amid escalating tension and the turf war between the two, the AAP has decided to give “tactical” support to Kumar by campaigning against the BJP and not fielding its candidates.

A senior AAP leader, requesting anonymity, said the party will campaign against the BJP and, if need arises, Arvind Kejriwal may also plunge into the battle. On being asked whether he has invited Kejriwal to campaign during Bihar elections, Kumar said “let the time of poll come first”.