Arvind Kejriwal writes to Jung, mocks Delhi top cop

After a tussle on legality of the Jan Lokpal Bill, it is now the venue for its passage, that is keeping Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal busy, shooting letters to the Lt Governor Najeeb Jung. Delhi Police
has raised security concern on Kejriwal plans to pass the bill at an open venue rather inside the assembly building. In his letter, he even mocked at Delhi Police, questioning its competence, if they cannot
provide security in one stadium, how can they keep the entire city safe?"

Kejriwal has chosen Indira Gandhi Indoor stadium, to have proceedings of assembly before atleast a crowd of 15,000, people, which has raised hackles in Delhi police. "There will be people with different
political affiliations. Chances are that people of different groups can get into verbal spats with each other. It will be difficult to manage the crowd," said Joint CP Sandeep Goel.

The police have also said that since the CM has sent an open invitation, people will walk in without identity cards or passes. Also to secure the stadium for a day, Delhi police will need atleast seven
to eight companies, which means diverting 600 policemen from crucial duties, to manage crowd.

Kejriwal had met LG on Monday, where they discussed concerns raised by Delhi Police. But the CM reportedly insisted on passing the bill in a public function and questioned competence of top Delhi police
officials. In his letter to the LG on Monday evening CM wrote, "It is surprising to note that the police is expressing its inability to provide protection to the ministers and MLAs. In such a scenario if police cannot provide security in one stadium how can it be expected to keep the entire city safe?"

The CM has also written to the LG that if the police is incapable of providing security then the state government can seek services of para military forces or other security agencies.

Kejriwal had earlier chosen Ramlila Maidan as a venue for passing his Lokpal Bill. However, he later agreed to shift to a indoor stadium.

Independent MLA withdraws support

The AAP Government in Delhi was on Monday left teetering after Independent MLA Rambir Shokeen withdrew his support to Arvind Kejriwal, whose party's strength has now been reduced to 35 in the 70-member house.

Shokeen, who went to meet Lt Governor to convey his decision but could not do so as Najeeb Jung was busy in a meeting, said he decided to withdraw support as the government has "failed" to fulfil the promises made before the polls.

"We had not sought time beforehand and had directly come to officially inform the Lt Governor that I am withdrawing my support to AAP led Delhi Government. But we could not meet him as he was busy in a meeting. We have sought time and may be tomorrow he will give us an appointment," said Shokeen after coming out of LG office.

Shokeen, who was elected from Mundka constituency, said Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal made several promises on power and water problems in Delhi, but even after several days in office he failed to address the issue.

"We had given support to the AAP based on the issue of removing unnecessary restrictions on villages, extension of 'Lal dora' boundaries, making the teachers working on contract permanent and also on the water issue, but they have failed on all these fronts.

"Last when, I, Binny and JD(U) MLA Shoaib Iqbal met Kejriwal on February 4, he assured us of starting work on these issues within a week but nothing has been done so far. I had also called up Kejriwal ji but he didn't respond or called me back. So I have decided to withdraw my support," Shokeen said.

Shokeen further blamed Kejriwal and his ministers of not visiting the villages of Delhi at least once after the formation of the Government.