New Delhi: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday announced that he will launch an indefinite hunger strike from March 1 to press the demand for full statehood to Delhi.
Addressing the budget session of Delhi Assembly, Kejriwal stepped up his attack on the Centre and said the Delhi government is unable to perform its duties towards people of the city because it lacked power.
“I will sit on an indefinite hunger strike for full statehood to Delhi from March. People have given us so much that even if we have to sacrifice our lives for them, it is immaterial,” Kejriwal told the House.
He claimed the people of Delhi were facing “injustice and humiliation” since independence because the government elected by them lacked power to work for them.
“The elected government of Delhi cannot give people justice, work for them and take up development works because it lacks power and the central government obstructs its functioning. Is the value of Delhi voters less than other states?” he questioned.
He said the Centre has control over Delhi Police, municipal corporations and DDA, which is why people “were suffering due to high crime rate, insanitation and lack of development”.
Also read: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal backs Puducherry CM against L-G in fight for statehood
So the drama starts again. After Congress refused to ally with AAP, Kejriwal knows he is losing big time. Pat comes another dharna. So all his problems can be blamed on someone else, knowing full well Parliament cant pass any such legislation now.
The cause is legitimate. Delhi fully deserves statehood, with some special privileges being accorded to the Central Government. However, a fast unto death seems too extreme a means to achieve this object. Plus, at this stage of the 16th Lok Sabha, India is virtually in caretaker mode. Much better to take this up once the next government assumes office. Land and services can immediately be transferred to the state government. Actually, so can the police, with special arrangements for VIP security. 2. One fact I learnt recently is that all Indians pay for the cost of Delhi Police, through GoI. That is unfair. Dilliwalas are now richer than all other Indians …