AAP launches drive for full statehood to Delhi
CAMPAIGN Kejriwal said that it is an insult to the mandate of Delhi’s voters if their elected government cannot take decisions without the approval of the LG
NEWDELHI: To garner public support for its demand for full statehood to Delhi, the Aam Aadmi Party ( AAP) on Sunday launched a campaign.
Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal held a meeting with party MLAS, councillors and other party officials and announced they would hold over 300 meetings in all municipal wards between June 17 and 24 to make voters aware of their right to a government that can work without interference. The Delhi assembly is also set to pass a resolution on full statehood to Delhi on Monday, its last day of the session.
There were media reports that the campaign was launched with slogan of ‘L-G (Lieutenant Governor) Delhi Chhodo’ (L-G quit Delhi). However, legislators present in the meeting denied and said that the focus is on getting full statehood for Delhi.
The party in a statement said their campaign is called ‘Poorna Rajya Andolan( full statehood movement)’.
AAP’S Delhi convenor Gopal Rai on Sunday said that the party would also hold a statelevel workers’ convention on July 1 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium to announce the party’s future course of action on the demand.
During the meeting, Kejriwal said that it is an insult to the mandate of Delhi’s voters if their elected government can-
In 1947, the country got freedom. Throughout the country, it was decided that people’s rule will replace the viceroy’s rule. But in Delhi, the LG was appointed in place of the viceroy. The people of Delhi were cheated. ARVIND KEJRIWAL, chief minister of Delhi
not take decisions without the approval of the L-G.
“When people in other states vote and pay taxes, the state is ruled by their elected governments. But, here in Delhi, despite voting and paying taxes, the Delhi government elected by them does not have any power. This is an insult to the Constitution of India,” Kejriwal said.
He claimed that the people of Delhi were unable to get their full rights even after 70 years of independence.
“In no state can a government come with more majority (than the AAP in Delhi). But even after that, the people here have to look at the lieutenant -governor for the smallest of works. This is an insult to the people of Delhi,” he added.
Kejriwal also compared the post of Delhi L-G with that of the viceroy during the British Raj in the country.
“In 1947, the country got freedom. Throughout the country, it was decided that people’s rule will replace the viceroy’s rule. But in Delhi, the L-G was appointed in place of the viceroy. The people of Delhi were cheated,” Kejriwal said.
Kejriwal also introduced AAP in-charges for five Lok Sabha seats in Delhi and said two more will be appointed for the remaining two seats.
The AAP government had started a special assembly session last week to press its demand for full statehood to Delhi.