Riding on a brute majority of 67 out of 70 MLAs in Delhi, the Aam Aadmi Party did not waste even a single day to build up pressure on the Modi government.
Riding on a brute majority of 67 out of 70 MLAs in Delhi, the Aam Aadmi Party did not waste even a single day to build up pressure on the Modi government.
Serving a polite invitation to union home minister Rajnath Singh at his official residence to attend the swearing in ceremony at the Ramlila Grounds on February 14, the AAP delegation led by chief minister designate, Arvind Kejriwal put forward the demands of handing over full statehood of Delhi, including control over Delhi Police.
Kejriwal demand came with an added emphasis that the government should not have any problems in acceding to this demands as the same were part of the BJP's manifesto that is governing at the Centre.
Kejriwal underlined the need for "constructive cooperation" between the Centre and theDelhi government adding that political differences should not come in way of taking the city forward.
"We are expecting full cooperation from the union ministry of home affairs and to be on the same page with us, as the BJP has also put the same objective in its manifesto," said AAP leader, Manish Sisodia.
AAP maintains that the issues of full statehood, control over Delhi Police and land are central to governance in Delhi and without settling these, security and progress cannot be achieved.
The AAP leaders said union home minister Rajnath Singh listened to them with due regard and offered to extend cooperation of the Centre.
AAP is expected to reiterate the same demands during its meeting with prime minister Narendra Modi on Thursday. Prime minister Modi has invited Kejriwal over his trademark chai pe charcha.
The initial pleasantries, however, are not expected to last very long as the government at the Centre, whether Congress or the BJP, has always fought hard to keep Delhi under its control.
Despite former chief minister Sheila Dikshit crying hoarse for full statehood and to give her government at least the control of Delhi Police, the Congress led UPA government did not entertain her demands a wee bit.
Meanwhile, Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia also met union urban development minister Venkaiah Naidu at his office and discussed various issues with him including that of unauthorised colonies and full statehood for the capital city. Naidu told Kejriwal that he may be a political rival, but not his enemy. "We believe in taking the state further and we will work together," replied Naidu.
Sisodia did most of the talking on Kejriwal's behalf. In their four points to the urban development minister Sisodia mentioned the development of rural villages, regularisation of unauthorised colonies and land for opening more schools and hospitals. Sources said that statehood for Delhi was discussed only in passing reference.
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