Give Delhi Police to us for two days, they will work wonders: Arvind Kejriwal
assembly polls, the Aam Aadmi Party seems upbeat about the prospects of a second-term in the national capital.
The party has continued to project itself as a pro-good governance party. Exuding confidence of a mandate as large as 2015, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal spoke to Aaj Tak Senior Executive Editor Sweta Singh and India Today Editor Ankit Tyagi.
Arvind Kejriwal who was attending the India Today Townhall in Central Delhi’s Connaught Place gave a long list of the achievements of his government.
“Five years ago, you gave common people like us such a big mandate. Since then we have been working day and night and after five years, it is my responsibility to tell you all what we have done in the time period,” he said.
The objective of the India Today Townhall with Arvind Kejriwal is to get the Delhi CM to answer questions asked not by the media but by the voters of Delhi.
Delhi govt vs L-G
Kejriwal refuted charges that the Delhi government had only started working on the front foot in the lead up to the Delhi polls. He held the tussle between his government and the Lieutenant Governor as responsible for any delays that the AAP schemes have faced in Delhi.
He said the 2018 Supreme Court verdict which gave the Delhi government the final say in all administrative issues of the state was the turning point in the party’s rule.
“We have been working for all five years. We worked with great speed initially but then files started getting stuck at the L-G’s office. Then the SC gave a verdict in our favour and once again the work picked up the pace,” Arvind Kejriwal explained.
Arvind Kejriwal also said that he understands that the L-G faces “pressure from higher authorities”.
Triple engine govt for Delhi?
He also rejected BJP’s claims of a “triple engine” government being better for Delhi’s welfare. Kejriwal said BJP is ruling at all levels in Haryana and UP and yet no development has happened in those states.
“Only good intentions are needed. Our intentions were good. If they [Centre] tried to stop us, we struggled and got work done,” Kejriwal said.
He also said the Modi government is duping people by offering to regularise unauthorised colonies. He said the registries given to poor people are “fake” and can land them in legal trouble.
Nirbhaya case
Reacting to the death warrant issued against the four accused in the Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case, Kejriwal said the order has fulfilled a long-term wish of the people of Delhi.
“The decision has fulfilled a long-term wish of the Delhi people. I hope people who misbehave with women learn from this, that they will not be spared and the law will take its course in their case,” he said.
Freebies for votes?
The Delhi CM said that his government had managed to work profitably while providing free services because he had eliminated wasteful expenditure and corruption.
“We made bus rides free for women. The total cost was Rs 140 crore, the Gujarat CM bought a jet for Rs 190 crore. I didn’t buy a jet, I gave free transportation,” Kejriwal jokingly said.
On JNU
As the sedition chargesheet against former JNUSU chief Kanhaiya Kumar waits for approval from the Delhi government, Kejriwal said “The police took three years to file a chargesheet. Our government and legal experts are examining it. It will take some time. We don’t want a decision to be taken in haste or for political motives.”
Concerning the violence in Jamia and JNU over the past month, Arvind Kejriwal said he is very disturbed by the violence in universities. “What happened in JNU and Jamia worries me a lot. What faith will children have in universities now? The law and order are not under us, I immediately contacted L-G,” the CM said.
Role of Delhi Police
The Delhi CM said it is not fair to blame the Delhi Police as they are merely following orders from above. “Give us police control for two days, you will see results.
“I don’t blame Delhi Police. They are very capable. They get orders from above to not move. Let them work freely. Staff under an honest government will work wonders,” Arvind Kejriwal exclaimed.
Delhi polls one of a kind
Finally, the Delhi CM does not seem too nervous about the Delhi polls. He even says they will be unique.
Arvind Kejriwal also said that he understands that the L-G faces “pressure from higher authorities”.
Triple engine govt for Delhi?
He also rejected BJP’s claims of a “triple engine” government being better for Delhi’s welfare. Kejriwal said BJP is ruling at all levels in Haryana and UP and yet no development has happened in those states.
“Only good intentions are needed. Our intentions were good. If they [Centre] tried to stop us, we struggled and got work done,” Kejriwal said.
He also said the Modi government is duping people by offering to regularise unauthorised colonies. He said the registries given to poor people are “fake” and can land them in legal trouble.
Nirbhaya case
Reacting to the death warrant issued against the four accused in the Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case, Kejriwal said the order has fulfilled a long-term wish of the people of Delhi.
“The decision has fulfilled a long-term wish of the Delhi people. I hope people who misbehave with women learn from this, that they will not be spared and the law will take its course in their case,” he said.
Freebies for votes?
The Delhi CM said that his government had managed to work profitably while providing free services because he had eliminated wasteful expenditure and corruption.
“We made bus rides free for women. The total cost was Rs 140 crore, the Gujarat CM bought a jet for Rs 190 crore. I didn’t buy a jet, I gave free transportation,” Kejriwal jokingly said.
On JNU
As the sedition chargesheet against former JNUSU chief Kanhaiya Kumar waits for approval from the Delhi government, Kejriwal said “The police took three years to file a chargesheet. Our government and legal experts are examining it. It will take some time. We don’t want a decision to be taken in haste or for political motives.”
Concerning the violence in Jamia and JNU over the past month, Arvind Kejriwal said he is very disturbed by the violence in universities. “What happened in JNU and Jamia worries me a lot. What faith will children have in universities now? The law and order are not under us, I immediately contacted L-G,” the CM said.
Role of Delhi Police
The Delhi CM said it is not fair to blame the Delhi Police as they are merely following orders from above. “Give us police control for two days, you will see results.
“I don’t blame Delhi Police. They are very capable. They get orders from above to not move. Let them work freely. Staff under an honest government will work wonders,” Arvind Kejriwal exclaimed.
Delhi polls one of a kind
Finally, the Delhi CM does not seem too nervous about the Delhi polls. He even says they will be unique.
