Kejriwal equates issue with freedom struggle
New Delhi, June 10: In a clarion call, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday exhorted party workers with the slogan ‘ L- G, Delhi Chodo’ ( L- G, Quit Delhi rpt Delhi) , as the ruling Aam Aadmi Party announced a citywide campaign for full statehood to Delhi.
Addressing party’s ward- level officer- bearers and legislators at his residence here, the chief minister equalled the fight for Delhi’s full statehood with the freedom struggle.
In a passionate address, he said Mahatma Gandhi had launched Quit India campaign during the British rule, and the Aam Aadmi Party will run ‘ LG, Delhi Chodo’ campaign.
He said that in 1947, India got freedom and all British viceroys were removed, but in Delhi, L- G was appointed in place of viceroys.
Elaborating on the campaign, senior AAP leader Gopal Rai said AAP leaders, MLAs and workers will hold meetings at 300 locations in the national capital from June 17 to June 24 in the first phase of the agitation.
In the second phase, AAP has planned to hold party workers’ convention at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium on July 1, where the next course of action will be decided, he said.
“Had a meeting wid ward level office bearers of AAP Delhi. Made strategy to take msg of full statehood to every house in Delhi ( sic)”, the chief minister tweeted after the meeting.
The clarion call for full statehood to Delhi comes ahead of the Lok Sabha elections scheduled next year. According to party sources, the ruling party in Delhi is planning to strongly raise the statehood issue during the Lok Sabha elections.
“We would ask people ( during meetings) whether there should be people’s rule or L- G’s rule in Delhi. L- G creates hurdles in our every project, be it the CCTV project or doorstep delivery of ration,” Mr Kejriwal said.
During his address, the AAP supremo also pitched for 85 per cent reservation in recruitment for Delhi government departments.
“Every person in Delhi will get good job and every family will get own house if Delhi is given full statehood status,” he said.