Twitter
Advertisement

Lakhs pour into Ramlila for swearing-in

It was 14 months since Kejriwal had taken oath at the same ground for the first time, in December 2013, promising to rid Delhi of corruption.

Latest News
article-main
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

A sea of people descended on the spruced up Ramlila Grounds to witness Arvind Kejriwal and his Cabinet colleagues from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) take oath on Saturday. Exactly a year ago, the 49-day old AAP government had resigned from office, blaming the opposition for obstructing the passing of Jan Lokpal Bill. It was also only 14 months since Kejriwal had taken oath at the same ground for the first time, in December 2013, promising to rid Delhi of corruption.

Expecting massive crowds, AAP had deployed almost 4,000 volunteers of its youth wing on the streets leading to Ramila grounds to help the Delhi police inside and outside the venue of swearing-in. Sporting yellow scarves and AAP topis, the patient volunteers did an efficient job of managing the crowd that had swelled to more almost a lakh inside the Ramila grounds with thousands more watching the proceedings on seven LED screens outside.

The dustry grounds appeared to be coated in white, as the thousands who had come in sported AAP topis accompanied by jhadu motifs. The love for Kejriwal on Valentine's Day was palpable. One girl steadfastly held up a heart shaped poster bearing the legend "Arvind India Loves U" embellished with little red hearts. A few gray haired old women kept trying to leap up on their chairs to dance or wave the flags alarming the women constables on duty nearby. The mood overall was celebratory and expectant as people of all hues stood shoulder to shoulder to see "their CM", Arvind Kejriwal.

Yamin Khan, 38, a tailor from Badarpur, said that he expected Kejriwal to weed out corruption from the "thick-skinned society". "We are extremely hopeful that Arvindji will weed out corruption from the city. Also, we are glad that our family can save more after power and water rates are reduced." As Kejriwal finally arrived just before noon, a huge roar built up gradually across the ground. Just the next moment, there were peals of laughter as the chief minister in waiting coughed, his image beamed on huge screens.

A few at the venue thought that AAP has been instrumental in bridging the gap between all classes at least by way of eliciting their support. "Delhi's people have been troubled and people from all stratas believe in AAP. I believe AAP will be able to deliver for both the poor and the rich," said Rajeev Aggarwal, 36, a businessman from Karol Bagh.

Some like Rohit Lutawa, 24, were proud that finally he has a leader whom he can look up to. "I am hugely attracted to Kejriwal's simplicity and no-nonsense attitude. This is the first time I am attending any major rally and it feels good to know that you contributed for a positive change." During his speech after taking oath, Kejriwal had the crowd in raptures as he promised to work for a corruption-mukt Delhi for five years.

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement