The Delhi government has cancelled the event which was scheduled to mark the four years of AAP governance in the national capital following the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-9-dead-as-fire-breaks-out-in-karol-baghs-hotel-196800">fire accident in Karol Bagh</a>, Central Delhi which claimed the lives of at least&nbsp;17 people on Tuesday.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia ordered the cancellation of the&nbsp;event.

"The deputy chief minister has ordered cancellation of today's event owing to the Karol Bagh hotel fire incident," a senior government official said.&nbsp;

Bollywood singer-composer Vishal Dadlani was to perform during the event to be held at Talkatora Stadium.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the kin of the deceased.&nbsp;

A&nbsp;massive <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-condoles-loss-of-lives-in-delhi-fire-196886">fire broke out at Hotel Arpit Palace</a> in Karol Bagh, in central Delhi, early on Tuesday morning.

It took the fire tenders more than four hours to douse the fire.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Delhi government has cancelled the event which was scheduled to mark the four years of AAP governance in the national capital following the fire accident in Karol Bagh, Central Delhi which claimed the lives of at least 17 people on Tuesday.

The Delhi government has cancelled the event which was scheduled to mark the four years of AAP governance in the national capital following the fire accident in Karol Bagh, Central Delhi which claimed the lives of at least 17 people on Tuesday. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia ordered the cancellation of the event. "The deputy chief minister has ordered cancellation of today's event owing to the Karol Bagh hotel fire incident," a senior government official said. Bollywood singer-composer Vishal Dadlani was to perform during the event to be held at Talkatora Stadium. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the kin of the deceased. A massive fire broke out at Hotel Arpit Palace in Karol Bagh, in central Delhi, early on Tuesday morning. It took the fire tenders more than four hours to douse the fire. (With inputs from agencies)

Karol Bagh fire: Delhi government cancels fourth anniversary celebrations, announces 5 lakh compensation

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khan on Wednesday said that AAP will extend support to the Congress if the next Prime Minister will be from the Rahul Gandhi-led party.

“Somebody told me outside that people are saying they will vote for the Congress because the next prime minister will be from that party. We are saying that if this happens, then we will also extend support to their Prime Minister (Abhi bahar mujhse koi keh raha tha ki log keh rahe hain ki Congress ko vote isliye denge kyunki Pradhanmantri unka banega, hum ye keh rahe hain ki agar Pradhanmantri unka hi bana toh hum bhi usey support kar denge),” Khan said at an event in Delhi..

His statement comes after leaders from both AAP and Congress&nbsp;said that they are currently in no mood to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections together.

"Our party will contest Lok Sabha elections in Delhi, Punjab and Haryana alone. For Congress, their arrogance is bigger than national interest, it is visible from recent statements of Punjab Chief Minister (Captain Amarinder Singh) and Sheila Dikshit ji," AAP leader Gopal Rai told ANI last week.

Earlier this week, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh also said, “Till now there is no question of Congress allying with the AAP as the party does not have its presence in Punjab.”&nbsp;

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khan on Wednesday said that AAP will extend support to the Congress if the next Prime Minister will be from the Rahul Gandhi-led party.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khan on Wednesday said that AAP will extend support to the Congress if the next Prime Minister will be from the Rahul Gandhi-led party. “Somebody told me outside that people are saying they will vote for the Congress because the next prime minister will be from that party. We are saying that if this happens, then we will also extend support to their Prime Minister (Abhi bahar mujhse koi keh raha tha ki log keh rahe hain ki Congress ko vote isliye denge kyunki Pradhanmantri unka banega, hum ye keh rahe hain ki agar Pradhanmantri unka hi bana toh hum bhi usey support kar denge),” Khan said at an event in Delhi.. His statement comes after leaders from both AAP and Congress said that they are currently in no mood to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections together. "Our party will contest Lok Sabha elections in Delhi, Punjab and Haryana alone. For Congress, their arrogance is bigger than national interest, it is visible from recent statements of Punjab Chief Minister (Captain Amarinder Singh) and Sheila Dikshit ji," AAP leader Gopal Rai told ANI last week. Earlier this week, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh also said, “Till now there is no question of Congress allying with the AAP as the party does not have its presence in Punjab.”

Will support Congress if next prime minister is from their party: AAP leader

BJP’s Delhi unit on Monday filed a criminal defamation case against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and other members of AAP for allegedly blaming it for the deletion of names of lakhs of voters from the electoral roll in the national capital.

Apart from Kejriwal, AAP Member of Rajya Sabha Sushil Kumar Gupta, MLA Manoj Kumar and AAP spokesperson Atishi Malena have been named in the case.

BJP leader Rajeev Babbar has filed the defamation suit in a Delhi court. The court has accepted the plea and will hear the matter on February 5.

Chief Minister Kejriwal had alleged that the names of 30 lakh voters had been deleted from the electoral rolls in Delhi.

“Not 40k. Total 30 lakh votes deleted. 4 lakh Baniyas, 8 lakh Muslims, 15 lakh Poorvanchalis and 3 lakh rest,” Kejriwal had tweeted on December 6 last year.

While contending that the matter of adding or removing voters from the electoral rolls is the Elections Commission’s responsibility and not of any political party, the BJP stated that the allegations by the AAP are “unfortunate and false.”&nbsp;

BJP’s Delhi unit on Monday filed a criminal defamation case against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and other members of AAP for allegedly blaming it for the deletion of names of lakhs of voters from the electoral roll in the national capital.

BJP’s Delhi unit on Monday filed a criminal defamation case against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and other members of AAP for allegedly blaming it for the deletion of names of lakhs of voters from the electoral roll in the national capital. Apart from Kejriwal, AAP Member of Rajya Sabha Sushil Kumar Gupta, MLA Manoj Kumar and AAP spokesperson Atishi Malena have been named in the case. BJP leader Rajeev Babbar has filed the defamation suit in a Delhi court. The court has accepted the plea and will hear the matter on February 5. Chief Minister Kejriwal had alleged that the names of 30 lakh voters had been deleted from the electoral rolls in Delhi. “Not 40k. Total 30 lakh votes deleted. 4 lakh Baniyas, 8 lakh Muslims, 15 lakh Poorvanchalis and 3 lakh rest,” Kejriwal had tweeted on December 6 last year. While contending that the matter of adding or removing voters from the electoral rolls is the Elections Commission’s responsibility and not of any political party, the BJP stated that the allegations by the AAP are “unfortunate and false.”

Delhi BJP files defamation case against Kejriwal, other AAP leaders

A 24-year-old man, arrested for allegedly sending e-mails to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's office <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-kidnap-your-daughter-delhi-cm-arvind-kejriwal-gets-threat-in-anonymous-email-189908">threatening to abduct his daughter</a>, wanted to draw the attention of a high-profile person in order to get better treatment for his psychiatric issues, police said on Tuesday.

The accused, Vikas Rai, a resident of Samastipur in Bihar, was preparing for the SSC CGL exams in the national capital, they said, adding that he had been staying in Delhi for over a year now.

He was currently being interrogated by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Special Cell of Delhi police, officials said.

After sending the e-mails, Rai had left for his sister's place at Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh. The police traced him and asked him to join the investigation.

Rai was arrested on Tuesday after the police took permission from the court since the FIR against him was registered for non-cognisable offences, the police said.

The accused, who was undergoing treatment for psychiatric issues at the Safdarjung Hospital here and was declared fit, felt he needed better treatment facilities, a senior police officer said.

"He was undergoing treatment for the last one-and-a-half to two months and the doctor told him that he was a normal person who needed to exercise and relax. He was not satisfied with the doctor's advice and felt that if he did something like this (sending the e-mails), he would be treated as someone with mental problems and would get better treatment," the officer added.

In order to draw the attention of a high-profile person to the issue, he had sent the e-mails to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), allegedly threatening to abduct his daughter.

A second-year B.Sc student, Rai was pursuing his degree through correspondence from a university in Bihar.

The police have seized the phone he allegedly used to send the e-mails.

Rai had sent three e-mails from his ID. The first one threatened to abduct the chief minister's daughter, the second one said the first e-mail was not fake, while the third one said it was a fake e-mail and should not be taken seriously, the officer said.

Rai was traced with the help of Google, which searched for the IP address from which the e-mail was sent.

The accused used to stay with his maternal aunt at Pul Prahladpur in the national capital. His family has also told the police that he was "mentally disturbed".

"He has said that he did not have any intention to harm Kejriwal's daughter and it seems so till now. So far, we have not found any previous criminal record in his name. We are probing further and examining all the aspects," the officer said.

Rai's father works in Mumbai, while his mother stays in Bihar.

The CMO had received the anonymous e-mails on January 9, which were forwarded to Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik.

A Protective Service Officer was deployed by the North district police for Kejriwal's daughter's security, officials said. PTI SLB AMP RC 01152050

A 24-year-old man, arrested for allegedly sending e-mails to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's office threatening to abduct his daughter, wanted to draw the attention of a high-profile person in order to get better treatment for his psychiatric issues, police said on Tuesday.

A 24-year-old man, arrested for allegedly sending e-mails to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's office threatening to abduct his daughter, wanted to draw the attention of a high-profile person in order to get better treatment for his psychiatric issues, police said on Tuesday. The accused, Vikas Rai, a resident of Samastipur in Bihar, was preparing for the SSC CGL exams in the national capital, they said, adding that he had been staying in Delhi for over a year now. He was currently being interrogated by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Special Cell of Delhi police, officials said. After sending the e-mails, Rai had left for his sister's place at Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh. The police traced him and asked him to join the investigation. Rai was arrested on Tuesday after the police took permission from the court since the FIR against him was registered for non-cognisable offences, the police said. The accused, who was undergoing treatment for psychiatric issues at the Safdarjung Hospital here and was declared fit, felt he needed better treatment facilities, a senior police officer said. "He was undergoing treatment for the last one-and-a-half to two months and the doctor told him that he was a normal person who needed to exercise and relax. He was not satisfied with the doctor's advice and felt that if he did something like this (sending the e-mails), he would be treated as someone with mental problems and would get better treatment," the officer added. In order to draw the attention of a high-profile person to the issue, he had sent the e-mails to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), allegedly threatening to abduct his daughter. A second-year B.Sc student, Rai was pursuing his degree through correspondence from a university in Bihar. The police have seized the phone he allegedly used to send the e-mails. Rai had sent three e-mails from his ID. The first one threatened to abduct the chief minister's daughter, the second one said the first e-mail was not fake, while the third one said it was a fake e-mail and should not be taken seriously, the officer said. Rai was traced with the help of Google, which searched for the IP address from which the e-mail was sent. The accused used to stay with his maternal aunt at Pul Prahladpur in the national capital. His family has also told the police that he was "mentally disturbed". "He has said that he did not have any intention to harm Kejriwal's daughter and it seems so till now. So far, we have not found any previous criminal record in his name. We are probing further and examining all the aspects," the officer said. Rai's father works in Mumbai, while his mother stays in Bihar. The CMO had received the anonymous e-mails on January 9, which were forwarded to Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik. A Protective Service Officer was deployed by the North district police for Kejriwal's daughter's security, officials said. PTI SLB AMP RC 01152050

Man arrested for allegedly sending e-mails threatening to abduct Kejriwal's daughter 

The Aam Aadmi Party Sunday said its convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will not be contesting from Varanasi in the coming Lok Sabha elections, but the party will field a strong candidate for the seat.

"Kejriwal will not contest the Lok Sabha polls, as he wants to give special focus to his state. The AAP will contest on all the Lok Sabha seats in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Goa. The party will contest on some seats in UP, and final modalities will be worked out by February. Apart from Varanasi, the party will contest from seats in eastern and western UP, where the organisation is strong," AAP spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh told PTI.

Singh said in Delhi his party is working on education, health, farmers, power and providing drinking water. "If we foray into national politics, then our issues will be education for all, free education to economically weaker sections of the society, ending unemployment and implementing the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission," Singh said.

On a recent statement made by Kejriwal to not vote for the Congress in the coming Lok Sabha elections, Singh said, "Kejriwal was quoted out of context. He had said that in a meeting in the national capital that if you want to defeat the BJP, then do not waste your vote by casting it in favour of the Congress. His statement was in the context of Delhi, from where the AAP is contesting on all the seats."&nbsp;

The Aam Aadmi Party Sunday said its convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will not be contesting from Varanasi in the coming Lok Sabha elections, but the party will field a strong candidate for the seat.

The Aam Aadmi Party Sunday said its convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will not be contesting from Varanasi in the coming Lok Sabha elections, but the party will field a strong candidate for the seat. "Kejriwal will not contest the Lok Sabha polls, as he wants to give special focus to his state. The AAP will contest on all the Lok Sabha seats in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Goa. The party will contest on some seats in UP, and final modalities will be worked out by February. Apart from Varanasi, the party will contest from seats in eastern and western UP, where the organisation is strong," AAP spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh told PTI. Singh said in Delhi his party is working on education, health, farmers, power and providing drinking water. "If we foray into national politics, then our issues will be education for all, free education to economically weaker sections of the society, ending unemployment and implementing the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission," Singh said. On a recent statement made by Kejriwal to not vote for the Congress in the coming Lok Sabha elections, Singh said, "Kejriwal was quoted out of context. He had said that in a meeting in the national capital that if you want to defeat the BJP, then do not waste your vote by casting it in favour of the Congress. His statement was in the context of Delhi, from where the AAP is contesting on all the seats."

Kejriwal to not contest Lok Sabha polls from Varanasi, party to field another candidate

Actor Prakash Raj, who recently announced he would contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, met Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal here Thursday, with the latter saying that his Aam Aadmi Party “fully supports” him.&nbsp;

The actor, who has been vocal about his views on the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government at the Centre, met the chief minister at his official residence in the Civil Lines.&nbsp;

Last week, Raj had said that he would contest the upcoming general elections from the Bengaluru Central constituency as an independent candidate.

“We need people like Prakash Raj to enter Parliament. Prakash ji, it was great meeting u today. AAP fully supports u and we agree wid ur decision to fight as an independent candidate. We need independent and non-partisan voices too in Parliament,” Kejriwal tweeted. According to Raj, he discussed ways with the chief minister to address various issues.

“Met Delhi CM @ArvindKejriwal thanked him and @AamAadmiParty for the support in my political journey. Discussed and requested to share various ways to address issues which his team has commendably done…#bengalurucentral #citizensvoice in parliament #justasking in parliament too (sic),” Raj tweeted after the meeting.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Met delhi CM <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArvindKejriwal</a> thanked him and <a href="https://twitter.com/AamAadmiParty?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AamAadmiParty</a> for the support in my political journey. Discussed and requested to share various ways to address issues which his team has commendably done.. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bengalurucentral?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#bengalurucentral</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/citizensvoice?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#citizensvoice</a> in parliament <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/justasking?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#justasking</a> in parliament too <a href="https://t.co/FJu4OirGWW">pic.twitter.com/FJu4OirGWW</a>
— Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) <a href="https://twitter.com/prakashraaj/status/1083285854649532421?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Raj has also been one of those seeking justice for his friend and senior journalist Gauri Lankesh, who was shot outside her residence in September 2017.

Actor Prakash Raj, who recently announced he would contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, met Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal here Thursday, with the latter saying that his Aam Aadmi Party “fully supports” him.

Actor Prakash Raj, who recently announced he would contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, met Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal here Thursday, with the latter saying that his Aam Aadmi Party “fully supports” him. The actor, who has been vocal about his views on the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government at the Centre, met the chief minister at his official residence in the Civil Lines. Last week, Raj had said that he would contest the upcoming general elections from the Bengaluru Central constituency as an independent candidate. “We need people like Prakash Raj to enter Parliament. Prakash ji, it was great meeting u today. AAP fully supports u and we agree wid ur decision to fight as an independent candidate. We need independent and non-partisan voices too in Parliament,” Kejriwal tweeted. According to Raj, he discussed ways with the chief minister to address various issues. “Met Delhi CM @ArvindKejriwal thanked him and @AamAadmiParty for the support in my political journey. Discussed and requested to share various ways to address issues which his team has commendably done…#bengalurucentral #citizensvoice in parliament #justasking in parliament too (sic),” Raj tweeted after the meeting. Met delhi CM @ArvindKejriwal thanked him and @AamAadmiParty for the support in my political journey. Discussed and requested to share various ways to address issues which his team has commendably done.. #bengalurucentral #citizensvoice in parliament #justasking in parliament too pic.twitter.com/FJu4OirGWW — Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) January 10, 2019 × Raj has also been one of those seeking justice for his friend and senior journalist Gauri Lankesh, who was shot outside her residence in September 2017.

Prakash Raj meets Arvind Kejriwal; AAP extends support for his political journey

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Sunday warned people against voting for the Congress even as speculations are rife that AAP is in touch with the grand old party for a tie-up for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

Addressing a function in Kakrola, he also asked people not to vote for the BJP, alleging that all the seven sitting MPs of the party did nothing for Delhi's development.

"Don't vote for the Congress at all, if you vote for the Congress it will strengthen Narendra Modi. Let not your vote split and give all seven MPs to the AAP," the Aam Aadmi Party chief said.

His remarks assume significance as speculations are making rounds that a pre-poll alliance is possible in Delhi between the AAP and the Congress to stop the BJP in 2019 parliamentary elections.

Both the parties have so far avoided denying such speculations.

Senior AAP leader Gopal Rai said recently said that political affairs committee of the party will take a call on alliance considering views of leaders and workers from Delhi, Punjab and Haryana, after January 15.

Ajay Maken, who was critical of his party's alliance in Delhi with the AAP has resigned as the Delhi Congress president, while senior party leader and former Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit maintained that national leadership will take decision about a tie up for 2019 and she will abide by it.

Taken on face value, Kejriwal's appeal to voters not to vote for the Congress means that the AAP is ultimately ready to take an independent plunge in the coming parliamentary polls.

The national executive of the AAP in its recent meeting decided to contest all the seats in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Goa and Chandigarh, totalling 33, in the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Sunday warned people against voting for the Congress even as speculations are rife that AAP is in touch with the grand old party for a tie-up for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Sunday warned people against voting for the Congress even as speculations are rife that AAP is in touch with the grand old party for a tie-up for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Addressing a function in Kakrola, he also asked people not to vote for the BJP, alleging that all the seven sitting MPs of the party did nothing for Delhi's development. "Don't vote for the Congress at all, if you vote for the Congress it will strengthen Narendra Modi. Let not your vote split and give all seven MPs to the AAP," the Aam Aadmi Party chief said. His remarks assume significance as speculations are making rounds that a pre-poll alliance is possible in Delhi between the AAP and the Congress to stop the BJP in 2019 parliamentary elections. Both the parties have so far avoided denying such speculations. Senior AAP leader Gopal Rai said recently said that political affairs committee of the party will take a call on alliance considering views of leaders and workers from Delhi, Punjab and Haryana, after January 15. Ajay Maken, who was critical of his party's alliance in Delhi with the AAP has resigned as the Delhi Congress president, while senior party leader and former Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit maintained that national leadership will take decision about a tie up for 2019 and she will abide by it. Taken on face value, Kejriwal's appeal to voters not to vote for the Congress means that the AAP is ultimately ready to take an independent plunge in the coming parliamentary polls. The national executive of the AAP in its recent meeting decided to contest all the seats in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Goa and Chandigarh, totalling 33, in the Lok Sabha elections.

Kejriwal warns people against voting for Congress in Lok Sabha polls

Rebel Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Punjab Sukhpal Singh Khaira on Sunday resigned from the party's primary membership, alleging that the party had "totally deviated" from the ideology and principles on which it was formed post the Anna Hazare movement.

Khaira, who was suspended from the party in November last year for indulging in "anti-party" activities, sent his resignation letter to AAP's national convener Arvind Kejriwal.

The "current political culture of traditional parties of the country stands badly decayed, due to which immense hope was generated by the formation of AAP," the Bolath MLA said in his resignation letter, copies of which have been released to the media.

"..Unfortunately after joining the party I realised that the hierarchy of AAP was no different from the traditional centralised political parties..," Khaira said.

He had been a vocal critic of AAP's leadership since he was removed as leader of opposition in Punjab Assembly in July last year.&nbsp;

Following his removal, Khaira, along with seven supporters, formed a rebel group which sought autonomy for AAP's Punjab unit.

Rebel Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Punjab Sukhpal Singh Khaira on Sunday resigned from the party's primary membership, alleging that the party had "totally deviated" from the ideology and principles on which it was formed post the Anna Hazare movement.

Rebel Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Punjab Sukhpal Singh Khaira on Sunday resigned from the party's primary membership, alleging that the party had "totally deviated" from the ideology and principles on which it was formed post the Anna Hazare movement. Khaira, who was suspended from the party in November last year for indulging in "anti-party" activities, sent his resignation letter to AAP's national convener Arvind Kejriwal. The "current political culture of traditional parties of the country stands badly decayed, due to which immense hope was generated by the formation of AAP," the Bolath MLA said in his resignation letter, copies of which have been released to the media. "..Unfortunately after joining the party I realised that the hierarchy of AAP was no different from the traditional centralised political parties..," Khaira said. He had been a vocal critic of AAP's leadership since he was removed as leader of opposition in Punjab Assembly in July last year. Following his removal, Khaira, along with seven supporters, formed a rebel group which sought autonomy for AAP's Punjab unit.

MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira resigns from AAP's primary membership

Aam Aadmi Party <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-tender-resignation-aap-mla-alka-lamba-over-resolution-to-revoke-rajiv-gandhis-bharat-ratna-185744">MLA Alka Lamba</a> on Saturday clarified that she is not going to resign. Meanwhile, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia also stated that the party did not seek resignation from anyone.&nbsp;

"No resignation has been sought and from no one, all these are rumours," Sisodia told media earlier in the day.&nbsp;

AAP MLA Alka Lamba said Friday night she will tender her resignation as "demanded" by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for not supporting a resolution in the assembly on revoking late PM Rajiv Gandhi's Bharat Ratna, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

The Delhi Assembly on Friday adopted a resolution on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in which it was demanded that the Bharat Ratna awarded to former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi be withdrawn, but the AAP swiftly distanced itself from the reference to the Congress leader.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Manish Sisodia, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister on Alka Lamba: No resignation has been sought and from no one, all these are rumours <a href="https://t.co/r2SCb4Bg8F">pic.twitter.com/r2SCb4Bg8F</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1076404737984135168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The matter became a major crisis with AAP MLA Alka Lamba alleging she was "put under pressure" to support the resolution, which she resisted and boycotted.

Lamba said she was ready to face "any consequences" and claimed she spoke to AAP supremo and CM Kejriwal who, she said, asked her to resign as MLA. "I am ready to do so", she said.

Meanwhile, the party on Saturday clarified that the Delhi Assembly did not pass any resolution seeking withdrawal of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's Bharat Ratna.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Aam Aadmi Party MLA Alka Lamba on Saturday clarified that she is not going to resign. Meanwhile, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia also stated that the party did not seek resignation from anyone.

Aam Aadmi Party MLA Alka Lamba on Saturday clarified that she is not going to resign. Meanwhile, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia also stated that the party did not seek resignation from anyone. "No resignation has been sought and from no one, all these are rumours," Sisodia told media earlier in the day. AAP MLA Alka Lamba said Friday night she will tender her resignation as "demanded" by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for not supporting a resolution in the assembly on revoking late PM Rajiv Gandhi's Bharat Ratna, news agency PTI reported. The Delhi Assembly on Friday adopted a resolution on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in which it was demanded that the Bharat Ratna awarded to former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi be withdrawn, but the AAP swiftly distanced itself from the reference to the Congress leader. Manish Sisodia, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister on Alka Lamba: No resignation has been sought and from no one, all these are rumours pic.twitter.com/r2SCb4Bg8F — ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2018 × The matter became a major crisis with AAP MLA Alka Lamba alleging she was "put under pressure" to support the resolution, which she resisted and boycotted. Lamba said she was ready to face "any consequences" and claimed she spoke to AAP supremo and CM Kejriwal who, she said, asked her to resign as MLA. "I am ready to do so", she said. Meanwhile, the party on Saturday clarified that the Delhi Assembly did not pass any resolution seeking withdrawal of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's Bharat Ratna.

Lamba says she isn't resigning, 'no resignation was called for,' clarifies Manish Sisodia 

DMK President M K Stalin Monday met Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal, hours before the meeting of opposition parties.

The chief minister is expected to participate in the opposition parties meeting for the first time.

Sources in the AAP said during the 20-minute meeting held at the Chief Minister's residence here, Stalin stressed on the opposition unity ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president also asked Kejriwal to drop his "resistance" against the Congress and come together to strengthen opposition unity to remove the BJP-led government at the Centre, sources added.

Kejriwal is also expected to meet TMC chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee prior to the opposition parties meeting later in the day.

DMK President M K Stalin Monday met Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal, hours before the meeting of opposition parties. The chief minister is expected to participate in the opposition parties meeting for the first time.

DMK President M K Stalin Monday met Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal, hours before the meeting of opposition parties. The chief minister is expected to participate in the opposition parties meeting for the first time. Sources in the AAP said during the 20-minute meeting held at the Chief Minister's residence here, Stalin stressed on the opposition unity ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president also asked Kejriwal to drop his "resistance" against the Congress and come together to strengthen opposition unity to remove the BJP-led government at the Centre, sources added. Kejriwal is also expected to meet TMC chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee prior to the opposition parties meeting later in the day.

Stalin meets Kejriwal prior to opposition parties meeting

The BJP Friday accused the Congress and other opposition parties of misleading farmers on the issue of agrarian distress, asserting that people no longer support those who have had their "eyes shut for 70 years" on the problem and have now decided to side with Narendra Modi.

The BJP's reaction came after thousands of farmers, backed by Left parties and organisations, marched through the streets of Delhi for debt relief and remunerative prices for their produce.

<a href="Delhi: Rahul, Kejriwal join farmers' protest at Jantar Mantar">Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal</a>, CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury, CPI leader S Sudhakar Reddy and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah were among the political leaders who joined the farmers at Jantar Mantar.

Hitting out at opposition parties, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra asked why their leaders did not take measures to reduce the problem of farmers in the past 70 years when they governed India.

On Kejriwal and Gandhi sharing a stage during the rally at Jantar Mantar, Patra said it was like "drama and confusion together on the dais".

"Remember, if drama and confusion are together, there is only destruction and devastation for democracy. The country rejects drama, corruption and confusion and has done so in 2014. Their coming together through photo-ops will not help, as the country has left their hands and has held the hands of Narendra Modi and BJP," he said.

He said the opposition parties have been exposed before the people for indulging in corruption and "politics of deception".

"They are today talking about farmers. They need to answer why the Congress was sitting with eyes shut for 70 years. Why the Congress did not worry about farmers all this time," he told reporters.

He said it was "unfortunate" that leaders of the Congress and other opposition parties were lowering the level of political discourse in the country. His comments came after following reports that CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury used inappropriate words to describe Prime Minister Modi.

"This shows the frustration of Congress and others. It shows their frustration," Patra said. 
Training his guns on Gandhi, Patra alleged that the Congress chief has one tape-recorder and only has one script. "He does not even prepare his speeches," Patra said.

"He does politics of falsehood and deception... All these parties were in power for so many years, but they did not implement the Swaminathan Committee report, because they were deep in corruption" he alleged.

The final volume of the Swaminathan Committee report on agrarian distress and recommendations was tabled in Parliament in 2016 and is yet to be discussed in the House.

Patra claimed farm loan has been waived twice so far in Rajasthan's history and on both occasions it has been done under BJP rule.

The Congress-ruled Rajasthan for nearly 50 years but did not waived farm loans and now they are doing politics here, Patra alleged.

"You have seen how Mr Rahul Gandhi have misled farmers and people of this country. You have seen how Mr Robert Vadra's (Gandhi's brother-in-law) company took loans which were unaccounted, not secured and not paid in the name of farmers and how they were misused for commercial purposes.

"You have seen how this was totally a commercial venture in the name of farming. This is Rahul Gandhi's way and Prime Minister Modi has rightly said that he does not know anything about farming," Patra alleged.

The BJP leader was referring to a newspaper report published Friday. The report said a firm got a big tax relief after it gave loan to a company that bought land owned by Skylight Hospitality, which is allegedly linked to Vadra.

"He (Gandhi) added to country's NPAs by giving loans through banks to such people, from whom they have benefitted themselves. Rahul Gandhi and Congress party indulged in commercial ventures and corruption ventures from which the country lost," he alleged.

The BJP Friday accused the Congress and other opposition parties of misleading farmers on the issue of agrarian distress, asserting that people no longer support those who have had their "eyes shut for 70 years" on the problem and have now decided to side with Narendra Modi.

The BJP Friday accused the Congress and other opposition parties of misleading farmers on the issue of agrarian distress, asserting that people no longer support those who have had their "eyes shut for 70 years" on the problem and have now decided to side with Narendra Modi. The BJP's reaction came after thousands of farmers, backed by Left parties and organisations, marched through the streets of Delhi for debt relief and remunerative prices for their produce. Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury, CPI leader S Sudhakar Reddy and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah were among the political leaders who joined the farmers at Jantar Mantar. Hitting out at opposition parties, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra asked why their leaders did not take measures to reduce the problem of farmers in the past 70 years when they governed India. On Kejriwal and Gandhi sharing a stage during the rally at Jantar Mantar, Patra said it was like "drama and confusion together on the dais". "Remember, if drama and confusion are together, there is only destruction and devastation for democracy. The country rejects drama, corruption and confusion and has done so in 2014. Their coming together through photo-ops will not help, as the country has left their hands and has held the hands of Narendra Modi and BJP," he said. He said the opposition parties have been exposed before the people for indulging in corruption and "politics of deception". "They are today talking about farmers. They need to answer why the Congress was sitting with eyes shut for 70 years. Why the Congress did not worry about farmers all this time," he told reporters. He said it was "unfortunate" that leaders of the Congress and other opposition parties were lowering the level of political discourse in the country. His comments came after following reports that CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury used inappropriate words to describe Prime Minister Modi. "This shows the frustration of Congress and others. It shows their frustration," Patra said. Training his guns on Gandhi, Patra alleged that the Congress chief has one tape-recorder and only has one script. "He does not even prepare his speeches," Patra said. "He does politics of falsehood and deception... All these parties were in power for so many years, but they did not implement the Swaminathan Committee report, because they were deep in corruption" he alleged. The final volume of the Swaminathan Committee report on agrarian distress and recommendations was tabled in Parliament in 2016 and is yet to be discussed in the House. Patra claimed farm loan has been waived twice so far in Rajasthan's history and on both occasions it has been done under BJP rule. The Congress-ruled Rajasthan for nearly 50 years but did not waived farm loans and now they are doing politics here, Patra alleged. "You have seen how Mr Rahul Gandhi have misled farmers and people of this country. You have seen how Mr Robert Vadra's (Gandhi's brother-in-law) company took loans which were unaccounted, not secured and not paid in the name of farmers and how they were misused for commercial purposes. "You have seen how this was totally a commercial venture in the name of farming. This is Rahul Gandhi's way and Prime Minister Modi has rightly said that he does not know anything about farming," Patra alleged. The BJP leader was referring to a newspaper report published Friday. The report said a firm got a big tax relief after it gave loan to a company that bought land owned by Skylight Hospitality, which is allegedly linked to Vadra. "He (Gandhi) added to country's NPAs by giving loans through banks to such people, from whom they have benefitted themselves. Rahul Gandhi and Congress party indulged in commercial ventures and corruption ventures from which the country lost," he alleged.

People don't trust Congress, other Opposition parties on agrarian distress issue: BJP

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday reacted to the chilli powder attack, that was carried out on him on Tuesday, stating that it was not the first time when he was being attacked.&nbsp;

Kejriwal added that the attacks on him on are not a minor issue and that he thinks those are being ordered.&nbsp;

"I've been attacked four times in two years. It's not a minor issue. These attacks aren't taking place, they're being ordered," Kejriwal said.&nbsp;

He said that these attacks are aimed at taking his life.

Kejriwal's reaction comes a day after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chilli-powder-attack-on-arvind-kejriwal-accused-sent-to-14-days-judicial-custody-178586">a man threw red pepper powder at him</a> inside the Delhi Secretariat on Tuesday.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I've been attacked 4 times in 2 yrs. It's not minor issue.These attacks aren't taking place,they're being ordered.Humlog inki aankhon ka roda ban chuke hain.Yelog milke mujhe marwana chahte hain. Ye baar-baar humlogo ke upar hamle karwa rahe hain: Delhi CM on chilli powder attack <a href="https://t.co/vT4BW8Jshg">pic.twitter.com/vT4BW8Jshg</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1065202851071369219?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Delhi's Tis Hazari Court on Wednesday sent the accused, in the chilli powder attack case on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, to 14-day judicial custody, news agency ANI reported. &nbsp;

The accused Anil Kumar Sharma, a resident of Delhi's Narayana, hid the chilli powder in a cigarette packet while he was waiting in the visitor's area, reports added.

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Wednesday alleged that the BJP leadership had knowledge of the attack on Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the opposition party wants the latter eliminated to stop him from working for the people.

"(Union) Home Minister Rajnath Singh called Kejriwal and asked him to file a complaint in the attack on him. Is this the way an attack on a chief minister should be probed?" Sisodia asked at a press conference.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday reacted to the chilli powder attack, that was carried out on him on Tuesday, stating that it was not the first time when he was being attacked.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday reacted to the chilli powder attack, that was carried out on him on Tuesday, stating that it was not the first time when he was being attacked. Kejriwal added that the attacks on him on are not a minor issue and that he thinks those are being ordered. "I've been attacked four times in two years. It's not a minor issue. These attacks aren't taking place, they're being ordered," Kejriwal said. He said that these attacks are aimed at taking his life. Kejriwal's reaction comes a day after a man threw red pepper powder at him inside the Delhi Secretariat on Tuesday. I've been attacked 4 times in 2 yrs. It's not minor issue.These attacks aren't taking place,they're being ordered.Humlog inki aankhon ka roda ban chuke hain.Yelog milke mujhe marwana chahte hain. Ye baar-baar humlogo ke upar hamle karwa rahe hain: Delhi CM on chilli powder attack pic.twitter.com/vT4BW8Jshg — ANI (@ANI) November 21, 2018 × Delhi's Tis Hazari Court on Wednesday sent the accused, in the chilli powder attack case on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, to 14-day judicial custody, news agency ANI reported. The accused Anil Kumar Sharma, a resident of Delhi's Narayana, hid the chilli powder in a cigarette packet while he was waiting in the visitor's area, reports added. Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Wednesday alleged that the BJP leadership had knowledge of the attack on Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the opposition party wants the latter eliminated to stop him from working for the people. "(Union) Home Minister Rajnath Singh called Kejriwal and asked him to file a complaint in the attack on him. Is this the way an attack on a chief minister should be probed?" Sisodia asked at a press conference.

These attacks aren't taking place, they're being ordered: Delhi CM Kejriwal

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Sunday promised a corruption-free administration, prohibition and a loan waiver for farmers if elected to power in Chhattisgarh.

Releasing its manifesto here for the state polls, which the AAP is contesting for the first time, the Arvind Kejriwal-led party announced a slew of measures for different sections of the society.

The Delhi-based party has fielded candidates in all the 90 assembly seats in the BJP-ruled state.

The AAP manifesto comes on the eve of the first phase of polling Monday covering 18 assembly seats spread across over half a dozen Naxal-affected districts.

The second and final phase of voting, covering the remaining 72 seats, will be held on November 20.

In its 36-point manifesto, the fledgling outfit has promised Rs 2,600 minimum support price (MSP) for each quintal of paddy, a loan waiver for farmers, jobs to youths and a ban on sale of liquor in the state.

"After the AAP government is formed in the state, the priority will be to make it corruption-free and prosperous," Delhi Cabinet Minister and Chhattisgarh AAP in-charge

Gopal Rai said while releasing the manifesto at a press conference.

The journey for a prosperous Chhattisgarh can not be undertaken until corruption is eradicated, he said.

Apart from the main manifesto, all the AAP candidates have released similar documents in their respective areas, incorporating measures based on the situation prevailing in their region, he said.

Targeting the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress, Rai sought to know what the two national parties have done for the state, which has a large tribal population.

"What Ajit Jogi had done when he was (Congress) chief minister for three years (2000-2003) and what the BJP has done during its 15-year long rule?" the AAP leader asked.

"Instead of releasing its report card (of works done till now), the BJP released its manifesto on Saturday as if it was seeking a chance for the first time to form its government in the state," Rai said.

The ruling party had made a slew of promises to farmers ahead of every election, but it did not fulfil them, he said.

All these years, farmers did not get good returns on their produce and once again the BJP has made "false" promises to cultivators (in its manifesto), Rai said.

Besides providing remunerative price to paddy growers, the AAP will generate jobs for the youths of the state if elected to power, he said.

The youths of the state will be given priority in jobs in private as well as government sectors and the contract system of employment will be abolished, Rai added.

Agriculture-based industries will be set up in the state, he added.

The manifesto also promised a compensation of Rs 20,000 per acre in event of crop loss and introduction of new farm technologies.

Besides, it promised to bring Chhattisgarh Jan Lokpal Bill, an anti-graft legislation covering the Chief Minister, ministers, MLAs and all government officers.

The AAP wants to make Chhattisgarh an alcohol-free state. Liquor will be banned for people barring for some special communities, Rai said.

The party has projected its Bhanupratappur assembly seat candidate Komal Hupendi as its chief ministerial candidate.&nbsp;

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Sunday promised a corruption-free administration, prohibition and a loan waiver for farmers if elected to power in Chhattisgarh. Releasing its manifesto here for the state polls, which the AAP is contesting for the first time, the Arvind Kejriwal-led party announced a slew of measures for different sections of the society.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Sunday promised a corruption-free administration, prohibition and a loan waiver for farmers if elected to power in Chhattisgarh. Releasing its manifesto here for the state polls, which the AAP is contesting for the first time, the Arvind Kejriwal-led party announced a slew of measures for different sections of the society. The Delhi-based party has fielded candidates in all the 90 assembly seats in the BJP-ruled state. The AAP manifesto comes on the eve of the first phase of polling Monday covering 18 assembly seats spread across over half a dozen Naxal-affected districts. The second and final phase of voting, covering the remaining 72 seats, will be held on November 20. In its 36-point manifesto, the fledgling outfit has promised Rs 2,600 minimum support price (MSP) for each quintal of paddy, a loan waiver for farmers, jobs to youths and a ban on sale of liquor in the state. "After the AAP government is formed in the state, the priority will be to make it corruption-free and prosperous," Delhi Cabinet Minister and Chhattisgarh AAP in-charge Gopal Rai said while releasing the manifesto at a press conference. The journey for a prosperous Chhattisgarh can not be undertaken until corruption is eradicated, he said. Apart from the main manifesto, all the AAP candidates have released similar documents in their respective areas, incorporating measures based on the situation prevailing in their region, he said. Targeting the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress, Rai sought to know what the two national parties have done for the state, which has a large tribal population. "What Ajit Jogi had done when he was (Congress) chief minister for three years (2000-2003) and what the BJP has done during its 15-year long rule?" the AAP leader asked. "Instead of releasing its report card (of works done till now), the BJP released its manifesto on Saturday as if it was seeking a chance for the first time to form its government in the state," Rai said. The ruling party had made a slew of promises to farmers ahead of every election, but it did not fulfil them, he said. All these years, farmers did not get good returns on their produce and once again the BJP has made "false" promises to cultivators (in its manifesto), Rai said. Besides providing remunerative price to paddy growers, the AAP will generate jobs for the youths of the state if elected to power, he said. The youths of the state will be given priority in jobs in private as well as government sectors and the contract system of employment will be abolished, Rai added. Agriculture-based industries will be set up in the state, he added. The manifesto also promised a compensation of Rs 20,000 per acre in event of crop loss and introduction of new farm technologies. Besides, it promised to bring Chhattisgarh Jan Lokpal Bill, an anti-graft legislation covering the Chief Minister, ministers, MLAs and all government officers. The AAP wants to make Chhattisgarh an alcohol-free state. Liquor will be banned for people barring for some special communities, Rai said. The party has projected its Bhanupratappur assembly seat candidate Komal Hupendi as its chief ministerial candidate.

AAP promises farm loan waiver, prohibition in Chhattisgarh

The Delhi Police on Tuesday registered three cases, including one against the ruling AAP's MLA Amanatullah Khan, in connection with the ruckus at the inaugural function of Signature Bridge.

The cases have been referred to the Crime Branch of Delhi Police for investigation.

Three cases have been registered at New Usmanpur police station under North East district in connection with the incidents during the inauguration of the Signature Bridge, Delhi Police said in a statement.

The cases have been registered on complaints of Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari, his colleague B N Jha and an an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) worker Taukir, it said.

"All the three cases are being referred to crime branch for further investigation," the statement said.

Joint Commissioner of Police (Eastern Range) Ravindra Yadav said a case has been registered against Khan on a complaint filed by Tiwari.

The state BJP president alleged in his complaint that Khan pushed him down and threatened to shoot him.

Tiwari and his supporters allegedly got into a scuffle with AAP members and police at the inaugural event of the newly-built Signature Bridge here on Sunday.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader had gone to the event to stage a protest for allegedly not being invited to the inauguration despite being Member of Parliament from the area.

Earlier in the day, Delhi Home Minister Satyendar Jain had directed the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Manoj Parida to lodge a police complaint against Tiwari for allegedly indulging in violence at the Signature Bridge inauguration.

In his note to Parida, Jain said Tiwari and his associates indulged in hooliganism to overawe the highest functionaries of the government at the event where Chief 
Minister Arvind Kejriwal and other cabinet ministers were present.

"Manoj Tiwari and his associates formed unlawful assembly, forcibly entered (reached the) dias with the intention to attack and harm the chief minister and council of ministers and create ruckus, obstructed and assaulted public servant..." Jain said in the note.

"It is therefore directed that home department immediately lodges a formal complaint with the CP (commissioner of police) and concerned DCP/police station against Manoj Tiwari and his associates..." he said.

Jain said a CD containing various videos of the event showed the "lawlessness" Tiwari and his associates indulged in.

AAP MP Sanjay Singh accused the Delhi Police of "inaction" in dealing with those responsible for the ruckus at the event and demanded that it register a case against Tiwari.

In a letter written to Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik, he asked why Tiwari had not been booked even 48 hours after the incident.

He said the police in the country, particularly in Delhi, worked under "tremendous political pressure".

Earlier on Tuesday, BJP leaders and workers staged protests across Delhi, demanding Khan's arrest and waved black flags at Kejriwal in Nand Nagri, where he had gone to attend an official function.

The Delhi Police on Tuesday registered three cases, including one against the ruling AAP's MLA Amanatullah Khan, in connection with the ruckus at the inaugural function of Signature Bridge.

The Delhi Police on Tuesday registered three cases, including one against the ruling AAP's MLA Amanatullah Khan, in connection with the ruckus at the inaugural function of Signature Bridge. The cases have been referred to the Crime Branch of Delhi Police for investigation. Three cases have been registered at New Usmanpur police station under North East district in connection with the incidents during the inauguration of the Signature Bridge, Delhi Police said in a statement. The cases have been registered on complaints of Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari, his colleague B N Jha and an an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) worker Taukir, it said. "All the three cases are being referred to crime branch for further investigation," the statement said. Joint Commissioner of Police (Eastern Range) Ravindra Yadav said a case has been registered against Khan on a complaint filed by Tiwari. The state BJP president alleged in his complaint that Khan pushed him down and threatened to shoot him. Tiwari and his supporters allegedly got into a scuffle with AAP members and police at the inaugural event of the newly-built Signature Bridge here on Sunday. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader had gone to the event to stage a protest for allegedly not being invited to the inauguration despite being Member of Parliament from the area. Earlier in the day, Delhi Home Minister Satyendar Jain had directed the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Manoj Parida to lodge a police complaint against Tiwari for allegedly indulging in violence at the Signature Bridge inauguration. In his note to Parida, Jain said Tiwari and his associates indulged in hooliganism to overawe the highest functionaries of the government at the event where Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and other cabinet ministers were present. "Manoj Tiwari and his associates formed unlawful assembly, forcibly entered (reached the) dias with the intention to attack and harm the chief minister and council of ministers and create ruckus, obstructed and assaulted public servant..." Jain said in the note. "It is therefore directed that home department immediately lodges a formal complaint with the CP (commissioner of police) and concerned DCP/police station against Manoj Tiwari and his associates..." he said. Jain said a CD containing various videos of the event showed the "lawlessness" Tiwari and his associates indulged in. AAP MP Sanjay Singh accused the Delhi Police of "inaction" in dealing with those responsible for the ruckus at the event and demanded that it register a case against Tiwari. In a letter written to Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik, he asked why Tiwari had not been booked even 48 hours after the incident. He said the police in the country, particularly in Delhi, worked under "tremendous political pressure". Earlier on Tuesday, BJP leaders and workers staged protests across Delhi, demanding Khan's arrest and waved black flags at Kejriwal in Nand Nagri, where he had gone to attend an official function.

AAP legislator booked for ruckus during Signature Bridge inauguration in Delhi

The AAP Wednesday launched a 15-second video featuring its national convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal appealing for donations to promote the "honestly working" Delhi government.&nbsp;

The public donation drive titled "Aap Ka Daan, Rashtra Ka Nirman" was launched by Kejriwal on Monday.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which rules in Delhi, has plans to contest the assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Telangana. The party is also hopeful of contesting the Lok Sabha polls in a "focussed manner" in several states, especially Delhi, Punjab and Haryana.&nbsp;

Claiming that the party is "pauper'', the AAP dispensation in Delhi is urging people to donate generously to safeguard an "honest government".&nbsp;

"The Delhi government is working honestly because AAP runs on your donations. We need funds to contest elections. No matter how much but do give donations to AAP so we can continue to work with honesty," the chief minister says in the video that appeared on social media.&nbsp;

Under the party campaign for monthly donations, the AAP has launched a mobile number on which people can place missed calls if they are willing to donate. The minimum donation amount is Rs 100 per month.

Party leaders said Kejriwal himself would seek donations by going door-to-door after Diwali.

The Delhi chief minister had on Monday announced that he would donate Rs 10,000, his wife and daughter Rs 5,000 each and his father Rs 500 per month to the party fund.

The AAP Wednesday launched a 15-second video featuring its national convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal appealing for donations to promote the "honestly working" Delhi government.

The AAP Wednesday launched a 15-second video featuring its national convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal appealing for donations to promote the "honestly working" Delhi government. The public donation drive titled "Aap Ka Daan, Rashtra Ka Nirman" was launched by Kejriwal on Monday. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which rules in Delhi, has plans to contest the assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Telangana. The party is also hopeful of contesting the Lok Sabha polls in a "focussed manner" in several states, especially Delhi, Punjab and Haryana. Claiming that the party is "pauper'', the AAP dispensation in Delhi is urging people to donate generously to safeguard an "honest government". "The Delhi government is working honestly because AAP runs on your donations. We need funds to contest elections. No matter how much but do give donations to AAP so we can continue to work with honesty," the chief minister says in the video that appeared on social media. Under the party campaign for monthly donations, the AAP has launched a mobile number on which people can place missed calls if they are willing to donate. The minimum donation amount is Rs 100 per month. Party leaders said Kejriwal himself would seek donations by going door-to-door after Diwali. The Delhi chief minister had on Monday announced that he would donate Rs 10,000, his wife and daughter Rs 5,000 each and his father Rs 500 per month to the party fund.

AAP launches video seeking donations to promote 'honest' Delhi government

The AAP Sunday announced that Brijesh Goyal and Rajpal Solanki will be in-charges of New Delhi and West Delhi parliamentary constituencies in the national capital for 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

The announcement halted conjecture that rebel BJP leaders Yashwant Sinha and Shatrughan Sinha will be Aam Aadmi Party candidates on the two seats.

Making the announcement, Delhi AAP convener Gopal Rai said there were talks with Yashwant Sinha for him to contest from New Delhi seat but he has expressed willingness to campaign against the Modi government across the country.

There were no talks about Shatrughan Sinha being the party candidate.

The party has announced its in-charges for all seven constituencies in Delhi.

Rai said the candidates for five seats will be announced soon.

Party sources said the in-charges will be ultimately the party candidates in 2019 elections.

The AAP Sunday announced that Brijesh Goyal and Rajpal Solanki will be in-charges of New Delhi and West Delhi parliamentary constituencies in the national capital for 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

The AAP Sunday announced that Brijesh Goyal and Rajpal Solanki will be in-charges of New Delhi and West Delhi parliamentary constituencies in the national capital for 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The announcement halted conjecture that rebel BJP leaders Yashwant Sinha and Shatrughan Sinha will be Aam Aadmi Party candidates on the two seats. Making the announcement, Delhi AAP convener Gopal Rai said there were talks with Yashwant Sinha for him to contest from New Delhi seat but he has expressed willingness to campaign against the Modi government across the country. There were no talks about Shatrughan Sinha being the party candidate. The party has announced its in-charges for all seven constituencies in Delhi. Rai said the candidates for five seats will be announced soon. Party sources said the in-charges will be ultimately the party candidates in 2019 elections.

2019 polls: Brijesh Goyal, Rajpal Solanki AAP in-charges for New Delhi, West Delhi LS seats

The Delhi Congress has decided to burn effigies of AAP and BJP leaders on the eve of Dussehra over their "failure" to provide relief to the people of the national capital from the sealing drive.

Senior Delhi Congress leader Mukesh Sharma said specially-designed Ravana effigies with the multiple heads of the mythical demon king replaced by pictures of BJP and AAP leaders will be burnt at 14 locations in the city.

"This is our protest against the ruling AAP in Delhi and the BJP at the Centre, over their failure to do anything for Delhites hit by illegal sealing in many areas," said Sharma, who is convener of the Congress' 'Nyay Yudh' campaign against the sealing drive.

"At the centre will be photos of Narendra Modi and Arvind Kejriwal, flanked on either side by BJP MPs from Delhi and AAP ministers," Sharma said, adding one of the effigies would be torched by by Delhi Congress president Ajay Maken.

"This will be a symbolic protest against the AAP and BJP who despite having votes of Delhiites deserted them when sealing drive hit them hard," he said.

A large number of commercial and residential premises have been sealed by BJP-ruled municipal corporations in the city for violating the city's master plan.

The sealing drive is being supervised by a Supreme Court appointed monitoring committee. The three major political outfits in Delhi -- the AAP, the BJP and the Congress -- have been engaged in blame game over the issue in the run up to the Lok Sabha elections next year.

Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari, who alleged that an "illegal" sealing industry was coming up due to "corrupt" officials, is facing a contempt notice for breaking the seal on a premises in Gokalpuri, sealed by civic officials.

The ruling AAP has demanded an ordinance from the Centre to stop sealing while accusing the BJP of being involved in corruption in the three municipal corporations of the national capital ruled by it.&nbsp;

The Delhi Congress has decided to burn effigies of AAP and BJP leaders on the eve of Dussehra over their "failure" to provide relief to the people of the national capital from the sealing drive.

The Delhi Congress has decided to burn effigies of AAP and BJP leaders on the eve of Dussehra over their "failure" to provide relief to the people of the national capital from the sealing drive. Senior Delhi Congress leader Mukesh Sharma said specially-designed Ravana effigies with the multiple heads of the mythical demon king replaced by pictures of BJP and AAP leaders will be burnt at 14 locations in the city. "This is our protest against the ruling AAP in Delhi and the BJP at the Centre, over their failure to do anything for Delhites hit by illegal sealing in many areas," said Sharma, who is convener of the Congress' 'Nyay Yudh' campaign against the sealing drive. "At the centre will be photos of Narendra Modi and Arvind Kejriwal, flanked on either side by BJP MPs from Delhi and AAP ministers," Sharma said, adding one of the effigies would be torched by by Delhi Congress president Ajay Maken. "This will be a symbolic protest against the AAP and BJP who despite having votes of Delhiites deserted them when sealing drive hit them hard," he said. A large number of commercial and residential premises have been sealed by BJP-ruled municipal corporations in the city for violating the city's master plan. The sealing drive is being supervised by a Supreme Court appointed monitoring committee. The three major political outfits in Delhi -- the AAP, the BJP and the Congress -- have been engaged in blame game over the issue in the run up to the Lok Sabha elections next year. Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari, who alleged that an "illegal" sealing industry was coming up due to "corrupt" officials, is facing a contempt notice for breaking the seal on a premises in Gokalpuri, sealed by civic officials. The ruling AAP has demanded an ordinance from the Centre to stop sealing while accusing the BJP of being involved in corruption in the three municipal corporations of the national capital ruled by it.

Delhi: Congress to protest against BJP, AAP on Dussehra eve over sealing drive

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Saturday said he has written to his counterparts of different states seeking support to stall the proposed amendments by the BJP-led central government to the Electricity Act, 2003 in the Rajya Sabha.

Addressing a public rally in northwest Delhi's Rohini, Kejriwal said that he will travel to different states from next week to meet respective chief ministers and convince them to stand together to stall the bill so that it is not passed before the Lok Sabha elections.

"I have written to chief ministers of different states on the dangers of the proposed amendment and how it will break the back of the common man. I have urged them to stand against the proposed amendments," he said.

Kejriwal said he would meet several chief ministers, including Mamata Banerjee (West Bengal), N Chandra Babu Naidu (Andhra Pradesh), Pinarayi Vijayan (Kerala) and HD

Kumaraswamy (Karnataka), for consensus against the proposed amendments to the Electricity Act.

The AAP national convener's move comes at a time when the Lok Sabha polls are scheduled to be held next year. It is also seen to unite opposition parties against the

Bharatiya Janata Party. The Aam Aadmi Party is gearing up for the general elections.

He alleged that the Modi government is going to introduce the amendment in the Winter Session of Parliament which will "break" the back of the common man as the power tariffs would be "unaffordable" after it is passed.

According to the Delhi chief minister, the proposed amendment aims at phasing out the cross subsidy, which will mean that power tariffs of the common man will be the same as of the commercial and industrial units.

"This would lead to huge increase in tariffs across the country immediately for small and medium domestic consumers as well as farmers, who account for nearly 90 per cent of all consumers," a statement quoted Kejriwal as saying at the public rally.

He said that Delhi citizens, who use up to 200 units, are currently charged Rs 1 per unit, while those using up to 400 units are charged Rs 2.50 per unit.&nbsp;

Kejriwal claimed that once the proposed amendment is done, both the categories will have to pay Rs 7.50 per unit, adding that this would hit hard around 90 per cent of all consumers in Delhi.

Last week, Kejriwal had said the amendments proposed by it to the Electricity Act, 2003 were "very dangerous" and aimed at benefitting "a few power companies" at the cost of the poor people and farmers of the country.&nbsp;

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Saturday said he has written to his counterparts of different states seeking support to stall the proposed amendments by the BJP-led central government to the Electricity Act, 2003 in the Rajya Sabha.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Saturday said he has written to his counterparts of different states seeking support to stall the proposed amendments by the BJP-led central government to the Electricity Act, 2003 in the Rajya Sabha. Addressing a public rally in northwest Delhi's Rohini, Kejriwal said that he will travel to different states from next week to meet respective chief ministers and convince them to stand together to stall the bill so that it is not passed before the Lok Sabha elections. "I have written to chief ministers of different states on the dangers of the proposed amendment and how it will break the back of the common man. I have urged them to stand against the proposed amendments," he said. Kejriwal said he would meet several chief ministers, including Mamata Banerjee (West Bengal), N Chandra Babu Naidu (Andhra Pradesh), Pinarayi Vijayan (Kerala) and HD Kumaraswamy (Karnataka), for consensus against the proposed amendments to the Electricity Act. The AAP national convener's move comes at a time when the Lok Sabha polls are scheduled to be held next year. It is also seen to unite opposition parties against the Bharatiya Janata Party. The Aam Aadmi Party is gearing up for the general elections. He alleged that the Modi government is going to introduce the amendment in the Winter Session of Parliament which will "break" the back of the common man as the power tariffs would be "unaffordable" after it is passed. According to the Delhi chief minister, the proposed amendment aims at phasing out the cross subsidy, which will mean that power tariffs of the common man will be the same as of the commercial and industrial units. "This would lead to huge increase in tariffs across the country immediately for small and medium domestic consumers as well as farmers, who account for nearly 90 per cent of all consumers," a statement quoted Kejriwal as saying at the public rally. He said that Delhi citizens, who use up to 200 units, are currently charged Rs 1 per unit, while those using up to 400 units are charged Rs 2.50 per unit. Kejriwal claimed that once the proposed amendment is done, both the categories will have to pay Rs 7.50 per unit, adding that this would hit hard around 90 per cent of all consumers in Delhi. Last week, Kejriwal had said the amendments proposed by it to the Electricity Act, 2003 were "very dangerous" and aimed at benefitting "a few power companies" at the cost of the poor people and farmers of the country.

Have written to various CMs to stand against amendments proposed to Electricity Act: Kejriwal

The Delhi Congress on Thursday made it clear it will have no alliance with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for 2019 Lok Sabha elections, after Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel advocated participation of the AAP in the proposed grand alliance of opposition parties to take on the BJP.

The Congress leaders and workers are against any alliance with the AAP, whose vote share is "fast eroding", for 2019 Parliamentary elections, Delhi Congress chief spokesperson Sharmishtha Mukherjee and senior leader Chatar Singh said in a statement.

"Congress will have no alliance with Aam Aadmi Party in the Parliamentary elections in Delhi in 2019," they said.

Referring to Goel's statement, they said there is "no change in the Congress stand" that it will not have any tie-up with the AAP in the Parliamentary elections in 2019.

The Delhi Assembly Speaker, on the sidelines of an event, said that participation of AAP in proposed Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) will be in thee interest of Delhi and the country.

After a meeting with the district Congress committees on June 2 this year, Delhi Congress president Ajay Maken had said that the Congress workers and leaders of Delhi do not want any electoral understanding with Arvind Kejriwal's party in the 2019 Parliamentary elections."

Aam Aadmi Party(AAP) that won 67 out of 70 Assembly seats in the 2015 Assembly elections in Delhi, is now "struggling" to keep its flock together as the popularity of the party has been fast "eroding", the Congress leaders claimed.

The vote share of ruling AAP came down to 26 per cent in last year's municipal corporation elections while the vote percentage of Congress went up from 9.5 percent to 26 per cent, they said.

"Congress graph has been steadily going up since the 2015 Assembly elections. The average vote percentage of the Congress in elections held following 2015 Assembly polls in Delhi had been 26.24 per cent while that of the AAAP came down to 28 per cent from as high as 56-57 per cent," they claimed.

The Delhi Congress on Thursday made it clear it will have no alliance with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for 2019 Lok Sabha elections, after Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel advocated participation of the AAP in the proposed grand alliance of opposition parties to take on the BJP.

The Delhi Congress on Thursday made it clear it will have no alliance with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for 2019 Lok Sabha elections, after Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel advocated participation of the AAP in the proposed grand alliance of opposition parties to take on the BJP. The Congress leaders and workers are against any alliance with the AAP, whose vote share is "fast eroding", for 2019 Parliamentary elections, Delhi Congress chief spokesperson Sharmishtha Mukherjee and senior leader Chatar Singh said in a statement. "Congress will have no alliance with Aam Aadmi Party in the Parliamentary elections in Delhi in 2019," they said. Referring to Goel's statement, they said there is "no change in the Congress stand" that it will not have any tie-up with the AAP in the Parliamentary elections in 2019. The Delhi Assembly Speaker, on the sidelines of an event, said that participation of AAP in proposed Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) will be in thee interest of Delhi and the country. After a meeting with the district Congress committees on June 2 this year, Delhi Congress president Ajay Maken had said that the Congress workers and leaders of Delhi do not want any electoral understanding with Arvind Kejriwal's party in the 2019 Parliamentary elections." Aam Aadmi Party(AAP) that won 67 out of 70 Assembly seats in the 2015 Assembly elections in Delhi, is now "struggling" to keep its flock together as the popularity of the party has been fast "eroding", the Congress leaders claimed. The vote share of ruling AAP came down to 26 per cent in last year's municipal corporation elections while the vote percentage of Congress went up from 9.5 percent to 26 per cent, they said. "Congress graph has been steadily going up since the 2015 Assembly elections. The average vote percentage of the Congress in elections held following 2015 Assembly polls in Delhi had been 26.24 per cent while that of the AAAP came down to 28 per cent from as high as 56-57 per cent," they claimed.

Delhi Congress rules out any alliance with AAP for 2019 parliamentary polls

The AAP wants former BJP leader Yashwant Sinha to contest from New Delhi Lok Sabha constituency and talks between the two sides are in an advanced stage, a senior party leader said.

Talks are also on with disgruntled BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha to field him from West Delhi Lok Sabha constituency, but the actor-turned-politician is unwilling to leave his Patna Sahib constituency in Bihar, the AAP leader said.

Yashwant Sinha, who was a key cabinet member in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led government, has been a vocal critic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP under Amit Shah.

The Aam Aadmi Party is of the opinion that Yashwant Sinha's image and him being a former bureaucrat will help him garner significant number of votes from the New Delhi constituency.

"We want Yashwant Sinha ji to contest from New Delhi and talks are progressing in the right direction," the AAP leader said.

Earlier this month, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was joined by Yashwant Sinha and Shatrughan Sinha to slam the Narendra Modi government at a Jan Adhikar rally in Noida.

This was not the first time that rebel BJP leaders are seen cosying up with the AAP leaders. Former Union minister Arun Shourie, rebel BJP MP Kirti Azad have been in close touch with the AAP leadership, another party leader claimed.&nbsp;

Yashwant Sinha had last won the 2009 Lok Sabha polls from Hazaribagh constituency in Jharkhand. Since 2014, the seat is represented by his son Jayant Sinha, who is a minister in the NDA government at the Centre.

Of the seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital, the AAP has declared constituency in-charge for East Delhi (Atishi Marlena), South Delhi (Raghva Chadha), Chandani Chowk (Pankaj Gupta), Northeast Delhi (Dilip Pandey) and Northwest Delhi (Gugan Singh).

AAP sources said the constituency in-charges will eventually be declared as candidates from respective constituencies. The party intends to field two "outsiders" from these New Delhi and West Delhi Lok Sabha seats.

The AAP wants former BJP leader Yashwant Sinha to contest from New Delhi Lok Sabha constituency and talks between the two sides are in an advanced stage, a senior party leader said.

The AAP wants former BJP leader Yashwant Sinha to contest from New Delhi Lok Sabha constituency and talks between the two sides are in an advanced stage, a senior party leader said. Talks are also on with disgruntled BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha to field him from West Delhi Lok Sabha constituency, but the actor-turned-politician is unwilling to leave his Patna Sahib constituency in Bihar, the AAP leader said. Yashwant Sinha, who was a key cabinet member in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led government, has been a vocal critic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP under Amit Shah. The Aam Aadmi Party is of the opinion that Yashwant Sinha's image and him being a former bureaucrat will help him garner significant number of votes from the New Delhi constituency. "We want Yashwant Sinha ji to contest from New Delhi and talks are progressing in the right direction," the AAP leader said. Earlier this month, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was joined by Yashwant Sinha and Shatrughan Sinha to slam the Narendra Modi government at a Jan Adhikar rally in Noida. This was not the first time that rebel BJP leaders are seen cosying up with the AAP leaders. Former Union minister Arun Shourie, rebel BJP MP Kirti Azad have been in close touch with the AAP leadership, another party leader claimed. Yashwant Sinha had last won the 2009 Lok Sabha polls from Hazaribagh constituency in Jharkhand. Since 2014, the seat is represented by his son Jayant Sinha, who is a minister in the NDA government at the Centre. Of the seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital, the AAP has declared constituency in-charge for East Delhi (Atishi Marlena), South Delhi (Raghva Chadha), Chandani Chowk (Pankaj Gupta), Northeast Delhi (Dilip Pandey) and Northwest Delhi (Gugan Singh). AAP sources said the constituency in-charges will eventually be declared as candidates from respective constituencies. The party intends to field two "outsiders" from these New Delhi and West Delhi Lok Sabha seats.

AAP in talks with Yashwant Sinha, wants him to contest New Delhi Lok Sabha seat: Sources

Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh said Saturday that former French president Francois Hollande’s remarks on the Rafale aircraft deal have proved it was a “big scam”.&nbsp;

The Rajya Sabha MP’s remark on the purchase of 36 fighter jets from France came a day after Hollande was quoted by the French media as purportedly saying that the Indian government proposed Anil Ambani-led Reliance Defence as the partner for Dassault Aviation in the Rs 58,000-crore deal and France did not have a choice.

The report in ‘Mediapart’, a French-language publication, quoted Hollande as saying, “It was the Indian government that proposed this service group, and Dassault which negotiated with Ambani. We had no choice, we took the interlocutor who was given to us.”

Addressing a press conference in Nagpur, Singh said, “The statement made by former French president Francois Hollande on the Rafale deal is shocking and it proves that the Rafale deal is a big scam.”

“The Modi government should tell why the offset contract was given to Reliance Defence. Hollande’s statement proves that the Modi government favoured Reliance Defence in getting the offset contract,” he said.

Under India’s offset policy, foreign defence entities are mandated to spend at least 30 per cent of the total contract value in India through procurement of components or setting up of research and development facilities.

According to Singh, a joint statement issued by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Hollande in 2015 has come to the fore now and it showed that there was no change in the technology of the aircraft in the new deal. “It is the same technology as was finalised during UPA-II,” he said.

He said the government should reveal why the cost of Rs 540 crore per aircraft went up to Rs 1,670 crore and the offset contract was given to Reliance Defence, formed 12 days before the announcement of the Rafale deal.

“The country suffered losses to the tune of Rs 36,000 crore…about Rs 1,000 per aircraft. It is the biggest scam in defence deal that the country has ever seen,” Singh said. He alleged that the statement made by Hollande proved that the Modi government proposed Reliance Defence for the offset partner, dropped Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd and thus favoured Reliance.

“The PM should clarify on this aspect. The defence minister should resign and an investigation should be launched to find who got the Rs 36,000 crore… A JPC probe should be initiated,” Singh demanded.

The AAP leader also said that his party will contest upcoming elections in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, and on 80 to 100 seats in next Lok Sabha polls.

Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh said Saturday that former French president Francois Hollande’s remarks on the Rafale aircraft deal have proved it was a “big scam”.

Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh said Saturday that former French president Francois Hollande’s remarks on the Rafale aircraft deal have proved it was a “big scam”. The Rajya Sabha MP’s remark on the purchase of 36 fighter jets from France came a day after Hollande was quoted by the French media as purportedly saying that the Indian government proposed Anil Ambani-led Reliance Defence as the partner for Dassault Aviation in the Rs 58,000-crore deal and France did not have a choice. The report in ‘Mediapart’, a French-language publication, quoted Hollande as saying, “It was the Indian government that proposed this service group, and Dassault which negotiated with Ambani. We had no choice, we took the interlocutor who was given to us.” Addressing a press conference in Nagpur, Singh said, “The statement made by former French president Francois Hollande on the Rafale deal is shocking and it proves that the Rafale deal is a big scam.” “The Modi government should tell why the offset contract was given to Reliance Defence. Hollande’s statement proves that the Modi government favoured Reliance Defence in getting the offset contract,” he said. Under India’s offset policy, foreign defence entities are mandated to spend at least 30 per cent of the total contract value in India through procurement of components or setting up of research and development facilities. According to Singh, a joint statement issued by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Hollande in 2015 has come to the fore now and it showed that there was no change in the technology of the aircraft in the new deal. “It is the same technology as was finalised during UPA-II,” he said. He said the government should reveal why the cost of Rs 540 crore per aircraft went up to Rs 1,670 crore and the offset contract was given to Reliance Defence, formed 12 days before the announcement of the Rafale deal. “The country suffered losses to the tune of Rs 36,000 crore…about Rs 1,000 per aircraft. It is the biggest scam in defence deal that the country has ever seen,” Singh said. He alleged that the statement made by Hollande proved that the Modi government proposed Reliance Defence for the offset partner, dropped Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd and thus favoured Reliance. “The PM should clarify on this aspect. The defence minister should resign and an investigation should be launched to find who got the Rs 36,000 crore… A JPC probe should be initiated,” Singh demanded. The AAP leader also said that his party will contest upcoming elections in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, and on 80 to 100 seats in next Lok Sabha polls.

Francois Hollande’s remarks prove Rafale a big scam: AAP leader Sanjay Singh

Capital's Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said that he ensures that all the Aam Aadmi Party(AAP) vote goes to the ruling party if the centre concedes statehood to the Capital city before the 2019 General Elections.

"I want to tell BJP that if before 2019 elections, Delhi is granted statehood, we'll make sure that each and every vote from Delhi goes in your favour, we'll campaign for you. If you don't do so Delhi residents will put up boards saying 'BJP leave Delhi'," he said in the Assembly.

On Sunday, Arvind Kejriwal has strongly urged the party workers with the slogan 'LG, Delhi chodo' as the ruling AAP announced a campaign in the entire city for the full statehood in Delhi.

Speaking with the party's ward-level officer and legislators at his residence, Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday compared the fight for Delhi's full statehood with the freedom struggle in 1947. In a frenzied address, he said Bapu had launched the Quit India movement during the British Raj likewise the AAP shall launch the 'LG Delhi Chodo' campaign in the BJP rule. kejriwal further said that in &nbsp;1947 India got freedom and all the British authorities were removed, but in Delhi, LG was appointed in place of the viceroys.

"We would ask people (during meetings) whether there should be people's rule or LG's rule in Delhi. LG creates hurdles in our every project, be it the CCTV project or doorstep delivery of ration," he had said.

Putting more emphasis on the campaign, senior AAP leader Gopal Rai said that all the AAP leaders, MLA's and workers will gather for meetings at 300 locations in the national capital commencing from June 17 and ending on June 24 in the first phase of turbulence.

In the second phase of the turbulence the AAP has planned to hold the party workers' convention at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium on July 1, where the next action will be decided, the CM added.

In the second phase of the turbulence the AAP has planned to hold the party workers' convention at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium on July 1, where the next action will be decided, the CM added.

Capital's Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said that he ensures that all the Aam Aadmi Party(AAP) vote goes to the ruling party if the centre concedes statehood to the Capital city before the 2019 General Elections. "I want to tell BJP that if before 2019 elections, Delhi is granted statehood, we'll make sure that each and every vote from Delhi goes in your favour, we'll campaign for you. If you don't do so Delhi residents will put up boards saying 'BJP leave Delhi'," he said in the Assembly. On Sunday, Arvind Kejriwal has strongly urged the party workers with the slogan 'LG, Delhi chodo' as the ruling AAP announced a campaign in the entire city for the full statehood in Delhi. Speaking with the party's ward-level officer and legislators at his residence, Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday compared the fight for Delhi's full statehood with the freedom struggle in 1947. In a frenzied address, he said Bapu had launched the Quit India movement during the British Raj likewise the AAP shall launch the 'LG Delhi Chodo' campaign in the BJP rule. kejriwal further said that in 1947 India got freedom and all the British authorities were removed, but in Delhi, LG was appointed in place of the viceroys. "We would ask people (during meetings) whether there should be people's rule or LG's rule in Delhi. LG creates hurdles in our every project, be it the CCTV project or doorstep delivery of ration," he had said. Putting more emphasis on the campaign, senior AAP leader Gopal Rai said that all the AAP leaders, MLA's and workers will gather for meetings at 300 locations in the national capital commencing from June 17 and ending on June 24 in the first phase of turbulence. In the second phase of the turbulence the AAP has planned to hold the party workers' convention at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium on July 1, where the next action will be decided, the CM added.

Will campaign for BJP if Delhi is granted statehood before 2019: Arvind Kejriwal

AAP leaders and workers camped outside the chief minister's residence here today in support of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his cabinet colleagues who have been staging a sit-in at the Lieutenant Governor's office and asserted that they would continue the fight for the rights of the people without any compromise.

Tents have been put up outside Kejriwal Civil Lines residence.&nbsp;

This is a fight for the rights of the people of Delhi, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh told reporters outside the chief minister's residence.

"At the instance of Narendra Modi, the Lt Governor has crippled Delhi government. We will not keep quiet now and fight till the last," Singh asserted.

Flanked by senior party leaders Saurabh Bhardwaj and Atishi Marlena, the party MP said that they were prepared for a long drawn battle over issues of full statehood, IAS officers' strike and the schemes of government including doorstep delivery of ration, allegedly curtailed by the LG.

"Modi is behind the crippling of Delhi government's functioning using the Lt Governor as a pawn."

Singh said that he was in touch with opposition leaders such as D Raja of the CPI and Sitaram Yechury of the CPI(M) over the developments in Delhi.

Singh also attacked former Delhi Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Sheila Dikshit over the full statehood issue.

"She ruled for ten years when Congress was at the Centre. Why did the full statehood was promised in their manifesto if they did not want it," he said

Bhardwaj said that the IAS officers of Delhi were on strike although they denied in a press statement yesterday.

Citing rules, he said that even "slowing down" work and not attending meetings called by ministers was a form of strike.

"Over a dozen show-cause notices and memos have been sent to the officers, but the situation is the same. They are shying away from openly admitting their strike because they will lose their jobs since rules do not permit it," he said.

Marlena said that government works including those related with education and pollution were hampered due to the strike.

Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia, Labour Minister Gopal Rai and Health Minister Satyendar Jain spent the night at Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal's office to press for their demands including a direction to IAS officers to end their "strike" and action against officers who have struck work for "four months".&nbsp;

Tents have been put up outside Kejriwal Civil Lines residence

AAP leaders and workers camped outside the chief minister's residence here today in support of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his cabinet colleagues who have been staging a sit-in at the Lieutenant Governor's office and asserted that they would continue the fight for the rights of the people without any compromise. Tents have been put up outside Kejriwal Civil Lines residence. This is a fight for the rights of the people of Delhi, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh told reporters outside the chief minister's residence. "At the instance of Narendra Modi, the Lt Governor has crippled Delhi government. We will not keep quiet now and fight till the last," Singh asserted. Flanked by senior party leaders Saurabh Bhardwaj and Atishi Marlena, the party MP said that they were prepared for a long drawn battle over issues of full statehood, IAS officers' strike and the schemes of government including doorstep delivery of ration, allegedly curtailed by the LG. "Modi is behind the crippling of Delhi government's functioning using the Lt Governor as a pawn." Singh said that he was in touch with opposition leaders such as D Raja of the CPI and Sitaram Yechury of the CPI(M) over the developments in Delhi. Singh also attacked former Delhi Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Sheila Dikshit over the full statehood issue. "She ruled for ten years when Congress was at the Centre. Why did the full statehood was promised in their manifesto if they did not want it," he said Bhardwaj said that the IAS officers of Delhi were on strike although they denied in a press statement yesterday. Citing rules, he said that even "slowing down" work and not attending meetings called by ministers was a form of strike. "Over a dozen show-cause notices and memos have been sent to the officers, but the situation is the same. They are shying away from openly admitting their strike because they will lose their jobs since rules do not permit it," he said. Marlena said that government works including those related with education and pollution were hampered due to the strike. Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia, Labour Minister Gopal Rai and Health Minister Satyendar Jain spent the night at Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal's office to press for their demands including a direction to IAS officers to end their "strike" and action against officers who have struck work for "four months".

AAP leaders, workers camp outside Kejriwal's residence

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his cabinet colleagues, who spent the night at the lieutenant governor's office, today dug in their heels with Health Minister Satyendar Jain beginning an indefinite hunger strike to press for their demands.

The AAP government's demands include a direction to IAS officers to end their "strike", action against those who have struck work for "four months". It has also asked the L-G to approve the proposal for doorstep delivery of rations.

Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia, Development Minister Gopal Rai and Jain met Baijal at&nbsp;5.30 pm&nbsp;yesterday and have since stayed on.

After spending the entire night, Kejriwal released a video today and said that the AAP ministers had "no option" but to stage a sit-in at the LG's office as Lt Governor Anil Baijal was not paying heed to the Delhi government's demands "despite several requests".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I am really appalled at LG’s stubborn refusal to end IAS strike and his justifications for ongoing strike. Wonder what are PMO’s instructions to him
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1006475254623973376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

It was the first time in the history of Delhi that the chief minister and his cabinet colleagues spent the night at the L-G's office to press for their demands, sources said.

The move drew criticism from the BJP's local unit who termed the sit-in as a "mockery of democracy".&nbsp;

"Making mockery of Democracy, No Work only Drama (sic)," Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari said on Twitter.&nbsp;

However, the AAP maintained that their fight will continue and they will not get "bogged down" till their demands are met.&nbsp;

"Modi and LG are not allowing us to work for the betterment. LG is orchestrating the strike by the IAS officers," AAP leader Sanjay Singh said.

The leader of opposition in the Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta called Kejriwal's sit-in a way to "shirk work".

"Delhi's maalik (owner) Kejriwal and company are protesting inside an air-conditioned room. Delicacies are being served to them from outside, while the city's reeling under a water crisis. They are only concerned about politics and not about people's issues," he said on Twitter.

Meanwhile, Kejriwal, tweeted from the LG's office, "Satyender Jain starts indefinite fast".&nbsp;

Jain began his fast from the L-G's office at&nbsp;11 am.

Last night, the chief minister, who is a diabetic, had to take insulin during the sit-in and got "specific food" from his home, the sources said.

"My dear Delhiites, good morning. Struggle continues," Kejriwal tweeted at&nbsp;6.27 am&nbsp;from the L-G's office.&nbsp;

A number of AAP MLAs, party's leaders and workers have also camped near the L-G's office and the police have barricaded the area.

In the video statement released by him, Kejriwal said that the AAP ministers have staged a sit-in for the people of Delhi so that their work does not get affected.

According to the AAP government, officers have not been attending meetings with the ministers and not picking up their calls due to which the people's work was suffering.&nbsp;

Officers have gone on a "partial strike" since the alleged assault on Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash on the intervening night of&nbsp;February 19-20, it said.

In the video message, Kejriwal said that he and his ministers have been requesting the L-G since&nbsp;February 23&nbsp;to issue directions to the IAS officers to end their "strike", but the Lt Governor was not paying heed to their demands.&nbsp;

"Yesterday, we again met him (Baijal) and told him that he will go from here (L-G office) only after getting our demands fulfilled," he said.

The chief minister said, "We are not sitting here for ourselves, but we are sitting here for you (Delhiites) and for schools, water, mohalla clinics so that the people of Delhi could get facilities."

Kejriwal alleged that some of the officers told him that the L-G's office was "orchestrating" the "officers' strike" that is why Lt Governor does not want bureaucrats to end their strike.

The L-G's office slammed Kejriwal's sit-in, saying it was one more "dharna without reason".

A statement, issued by Baijal's office last evening, stated that the L-G was "threatened" to summon officers and issue directions to them to end their "strike" immediately.

In the morning, a letter, signed by Kejriwal, Sisodia, Rai and Jain, was sent to Baijal, asking him to take all necessary steps to end the "strike" by the IAS officers, including issuing written orders, that all those officers who do not return to work will be proceeded against and "if

necessary, ESMA may be invoked".

However, the officers association has claimed that no officer is on strike and no work has been affected.

"Good Morning @LtGovDelhi Sir! Delhi CM and 3 ministers are still waiting in your waiting room since yesterday evening. We hope today you'll get time from your busy schedule to resolve these three issues. Till then we are waiting...," Sisodia tweeted.

"Handed him this letter. L-G refuses to take action. L-G is under a constitutional duty to act. Left wid no option, we have politely told LG that we will not leave till he acts on all points. We have come out of his chamber n sitting in his waiting room (sic)," Kejriwal tweeted last evening after he along with his three ministers started their sit-in.

The AAP government and the bureaucracy have been at loggerheads since the alleged assault on Prakash by AAP MLAs at Kejriwal's residence on the intervening night of&nbsp;February 19-20.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The AAP government's demands include a direction to IAS officers to end their 'strike', action against those who have struck work for 'four months'

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his cabinet colleagues, who spent the night at the lieutenant governor's office, today dug in their heels with Health Minister Satyendar Jain beginning an indefinite hunger strike to press for their demands. The AAP government's demands include a direction to IAS officers to end their "strike", action against those who have struck work for "four months". It has also asked the L-G to approve the proposal for doorstep delivery of rations. Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia, Development Minister Gopal Rai and Jain met Baijal at 5.30 pm yesterday and have since stayed on. After spending the entire night, Kejriwal released a video today and said that the AAP ministers had "no option" but to stage a sit-in at the LG's office as Lt Governor Anil Baijal was not paying heed to the Delhi government's demands "despite several requests". I am really appalled at LG’s stubborn refusal to end IAS strike and his justifications for ongoing strike. Wonder what are PMO’s instructions to him — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 12, 2018 × It was the first time in the history of Delhi that the chief minister and his cabinet colleagues spent the night at the L-G's office to press for their demands, sources said. The move drew criticism from the BJP's local unit who termed the sit-in as a "mockery of democracy". "Making mockery of Democracy, No Work only Drama (sic)," Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari said on Twitter. However, the AAP maintained that their fight will continue and they will not get "bogged down" till their demands are met. "Modi and LG are not allowing us to work for the betterment. LG is orchestrating the strike by the IAS officers," AAP leader Sanjay Singh said. The leader of opposition in the Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta called Kejriwal's sit-in a way to "shirk work". "Delhi's maalik (owner) Kejriwal and company are protesting inside an air-conditioned room. Delicacies are being served to them from outside, while the city's reeling under a water crisis. They are only concerned about politics and not about people's issues," he said on Twitter. Meanwhile, Kejriwal, tweeted from the LG's office, "Satyender Jain starts indefinite fast". Jain began his fast from the L-G's office at 11 am. Last night, the chief minister, who is a diabetic, had to take insulin during the sit-in and got "specific food" from his home, the sources said. "My dear Delhiites, good morning. Struggle continues," Kejriwal tweeted at 6.27 am from the L-G's office. A number of AAP MLAs, party's leaders and workers have also camped near the L-G's office and the police have barricaded the area. In the video statement released by him, Kejriwal said that the AAP ministers have staged a sit-in for the people of Delhi so that their work does not get affected. According to the AAP government, officers have not been attending meetings with the ministers and not picking up their calls due to which the people's work was suffering. Officers have gone on a "partial strike" since the alleged assault on Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash on the intervening night of February 19-20, it said. In the video message, Kejriwal said that he and his ministers have been requesting the L-G since February 23 to issue directions to the IAS officers to end their "strike", but the Lt Governor was not paying heed to their demands. "Yesterday, we again met him (Baijal) and told him that he will go from here (L-G office) only after getting our demands fulfilled," he said. The chief minister said, "We are not sitting here for ourselves, but we are sitting here for you (Delhiites) and for schools, water, mohalla clinics so that the people of Delhi could get facilities." Kejriwal alleged that some of the officers told him that the L-G's office was "orchestrating" the "officers' strike" that is why Lt Governor does not want bureaucrats to end their strike. The L-G's office slammed Kejriwal's sit-in, saying it was one more "dharna without reason". A statement, issued by Baijal's office last evening, stated that the L-G was "threatened" to summon officers and issue directions to them to end their "strike" immediately. In the morning, a letter, signed by Kejriwal, Sisodia, Rai and Jain, was sent to Baijal, asking him to take all necessary steps to end the "strike" by the IAS officers, including issuing written orders, that all those officers who do not return to work will be proceeded against and "if necessary, ESMA may be invoked". However, the officers association has claimed that no officer is on strike and no work has been affected. "Good Morning @LtGovDelhi Sir! Delhi CM and 3 ministers are still waiting in your waiting room since yesterday evening. We hope today you'll get time from your busy schedule to resolve these three issues. Till then we are waiting...," Sisodia tweeted. "Handed him this letter. L-G refuses to take action. L-G is under a constitutional duty to act. Left wid no option, we have politely told LG that we will not leave till he acts on all points. We have come out of his chamber n sitting in his waiting room (sic)," Kejriwal tweeted last evening after he along with his three ministers started their sit-in. The AAP government and the bureaucracy have been at loggerheads since the alleged assault on Prakash by AAP MLAs at Kejriwal's residence on the intervening night of February 19-20.

'Dharna without reason' says L-G's office as Kejriwal continues sit-in

Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari said today that the sit-in by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his cabinet colleagues at the Lieutenant Governor's office was a "mockery of democracy".

Kejriwal and his cabinet colleagues spent the night at Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal's office to press for their demands including a direction to IAS officers to end their "strike" and action against officers who have struck work for "four months".

Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia, Labour Minister Gopal Rai and Health Minister Satyendar Jain met Baijal at&nbsp;5.30 pm&nbsp;yesterday and since then, they stayed out there.

Tiwari tweeted, "Making mockery of Democracy, No Work only Drama (sic)."

Vijender Gupta, the leader of opposition in the assembly, called Kejriwal's sit-in a way to "shirk work".

"Delhi's Maalik (owner) Kejriwal and company are protesting inside an air-conditioned room. Delicacies are being served to them from outside while the city's reeling under a water crisis. They are only concerned about politics and not about people's issues," Gupta posted on Twitter.

A number of AAP MLAs, party's leaders and workers have also camped near the L-G office, and the police have barricaded the area.

The L-G's office slammed Kejriwal's sit-in, saying it was another protest in the sequence of "dharna without reason".

Kejriwal and his cabinet colleagues spent the night at Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal's office to press for their demands including a direction to IAS officers to end their 'strike' and action against officers who have struck work for 'four months'

Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari said today that the sit-in by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his cabinet colleagues at the Lieutenant Governor's office was a "mockery of democracy". Kejriwal and his cabinet colleagues spent the night at Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal's office to press for their demands including a direction to IAS officers to end their "strike" and action against officers who have struck work for "four months". Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia, Labour Minister Gopal Rai and Health Minister Satyendar Jain met Baijal at 5.30 pm yesterday and since then, they stayed out there. Tiwari tweeted, "Making mockery of Democracy, No Work only Drama (sic)." Vijender Gupta, the leader of opposition in the assembly, called Kejriwal's sit-in a way to "shirk work". "Delhi's Maalik (owner) Kejriwal and company are protesting inside an air-conditioned room. Delicacies are being served to them from outside while the city's reeling under a water crisis. They are only concerned about politics and not about people's issues," Gupta posted on Twitter. A number of AAP MLAs, party's leaders and workers have also camped near the L-G office, and the police have barricaded the area. The L-G's office slammed Kejriwal's sit-in, saying it was another protest in the sequence of "dharna without reason".

Kejriwal's sit-in a mockery of democracy: Manoj Tiwari

Delhi MLA Kapil Mishra is all set to file a petition against CM Arvind Kejriwal for having less than ten&nbsp;per cent attendance in the Delhi assembly.

The High Court is likely to hear the petition on Tuesday.

Kapil Mishra had said earlier, "CM's attendance is less than ten per cent&nbsp;in assembly and he totally missed special sessions for full statehood and sealing. He was there for two hours. It's an insult to the votes of people&nbsp;who have voted for him. If he isn't attending assembly his salary should be cut".

He also said that the Delhi High Court should give direction to the CM that he should be attending Delhi assembly session. It should also give direction to Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the Assembly to ensure that the chief minister is attending the session, he said.

Currently an MLA from the Karawal Nagar constituency, Mishra was removed from the position of Water Resource Minister in the AAP (Aam Aadmi Party) government.

Since then, he has been alleging more instances of corruption in AAP government under Arvind Kejriwal.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
CM's attendance is less than 10% in assembly & he totally missed special sessions for full statehood&sealing. He was there for 2 hrs. It's an insult to votes people of Delhi have given . If he isn't attending assembly his salary should be cut: Kapil Mishra, Delhi MLA on Delhi CM <a href="https://t.co/ZBNkj8PqGC">pic.twitter.com/ZBNkj8PqGC</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1006042875761647616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Kapil Mishra had said earlier, 'CM's attendance is less than ten per cent in assembly and he totally missed special sessions for full statehood and sealing. He was there for two hours. It's an insult to the votes of people who have voted for him. If he isn't attending assembly his salary should be cut'

Delhi MLA Kapil Mishra is all set to file a petition against CM Arvind Kejriwal for having less than ten per cent attendance in the Delhi assembly. The High Court is likely to hear the petition on Tuesday. Kapil Mishra had said earlier, "CM's attendance is less than ten per cent in assembly and he totally missed special sessions for full statehood and sealing. He was there for two hours. It's an insult to the votes of people who have voted for him. If he isn't attending assembly his salary should be cut". He also said that the Delhi High Court should give direction to the CM that he should be attending Delhi assembly session. It should also give direction to Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the Assembly to ensure that the chief minister is attending the session, he said. Currently an MLA from the Karawal Nagar constituency, Mishra was removed from the position of Water Resource Minister in the AAP (Aam Aadmi Party) government. Since then, he has been alleging more instances of corruption in AAP government under Arvind Kejriwal. CM's attendance is less than 10% in assembly & he totally missed special sessions for full statehood&sealing. He was there for 2 hrs. It's an insult to votes people of Delhi have given . If he isn't attending assembly his salary should be cut: Kapil Mishra, Delhi MLA on Delhi CM pic.twitter.com/ZBNkj8PqGC — ANI (@ANI) June 11, 2018 ×

Delhi High Court allows Kapil Mishra to file petition against Arvind Kejriwal for having low attendance in Delhi assembly

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has called a meeting with ward-level AAP officer bearers and MLAs at this residence tomorrow to discuss strategy on the issue of full statehood to Delhi which it plans to raise strongly in the run-up to Lok Sabha elections next year, party sources said.

The AAP government has called a special session of the Delhi Assembly to press its demand for full statehood to Delhi. Earlier this week, Deputy Chief Minister tabled a government resolution in this regard.&nbsp

Kejriwal is likely to speak on the issue in Delhi Assembly on Monday.

Sources said that the party will also hold a workers' convention in July on the issue of full statehood to Delhi.&nbsp

An AAP functionary said discussions will be held at tomorrow's meeting on a strategy to effective raise the issue of full statehood to the national capital.

As Lok Sabha elections are scheduled to be held next year, the chief minister, who is also the AAP's national convener, will also discuss poll strategy, another party leader said.

Earlier in the day, senior AAP leader Gopal Rai said that the Aam Aadmi Party will "expose the political opportunism" of both the BJP and Congress on the issue of full statehood for Delhi.

He said the ongoing Delhi Assembly session has "exposed the sudden U-turn" on statehood by the BJP and the Congress.

"BJP has made every attempt during the ongoing Assembly session to avoid discussion on the statehood issue," he told reporters here.

"It is beyond any reasonable understanding as to how the decades-old promise by BJP stalwarts -- former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and former deputy PM LK Advani -- has been suddenly junked by today's BJP," Rai said in a statement.&nbsp

The AAP is planning to strongly raise the statehood issue during Lok Sabha elections, party sources said.&nbsp

The AAP government has called a special session of the Delhi Assembly to press its demand for full statehood to Delhi. Earlier this week, Deputy Chief Minister tabled a government resolution in this regard

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has called a meeting with ward-level AAP officer bearers and MLAs at this residence tomorrow to discuss strategy on the issue of full statehood to Delhi which it plans to raise strongly in the run-up to Lok Sabha elections next year, party sources said. The AAP government has called a special session of the Delhi Assembly to press its demand for full statehood to Delhi. Earlier this week, Deputy Chief Minister tabled a government resolution in this regard. Kejriwal is likely to speak on the issue in Delhi Assembly on Monday. Sources said that the party will also hold a workers' convention in July on the issue of full statehood to Delhi. An AAP functionary said discussions will be held at tomorrow's meeting on a strategy to effective raise the issue of full statehood to the national capital. As Lok Sabha elections are scheduled to be held next year, the chief minister, who is also the AAP's national convener, will also discuss poll strategy, another party leader said. Earlier in the day, senior AAP leader Gopal Rai said that the Aam Aadmi Party will "expose the political opportunism" of both the BJP and Congress on the issue of full statehood for Delhi. He said the ongoing Delhi Assembly session has "exposed the sudden U-turn" on statehood by the BJP and the Congress. "BJP has made every attempt during the ongoing Assembly session to avoid discussion on the statehood issue," he told reporters here. "It is beyond any reasonable understanding as to how the decades-old promise by BJP stalwarts -- former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and former deputy PM LK Advani -- has been suddenly junked by today's BJP," Rai said in a statement. The AAP is planning to strongly raise the statehood issue during Lok Sabha elections, party sources said.

Kejriwal calls party meet on statehood issue, LS polls strategy to be discussed too

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/whatever-i-have-to-say-i-will-say-in-nagpur-pranab-mukherjee-on-accepting-rss-invite-141926">Whatever I have to say, I will say in Nagpur: Pranab Mukherjee on accepting RSS invite</a>

Former President Pranab Mukherjee has responded to the criticism (and the many suggestions) he has got after accepting an invite to an RSS event.&nbsp;

Mukherjee has been invited to speak to swayamsevaks in Nagpur on June 7 at the concluding function of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's Tritiya Varsha Varg or third-year course.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swarajs-aircraft-goes-incommunicado-for-14-mins-en-route-to-mauritius--141934">En route to Mauritius, Sushma Swaraj's plane went incommunicado for 14 minutes</a>

Mauritius air traffic control was given a serious scare Saturday when External Affaris Minister Sushma Swaraj's aircraft, flying in from Trivandrum, went incommunicado for about 14 minutes.&nbsp;

Swaraj's Embraer ERJ135 jet took from Trivandrum at 4 pm and lost contact at around 4.44 pm.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/autopsy-of-bjp-worker-found-hanging-in-bengal-says-suicide-141953">Autopsy</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/autopsy-of-bjp-worker-found-hanging-in-bengal-says-suicide-141953"> of BJP worker found hanging in Bengal says suicide</a>

The autopsy conducted on the body of the BJP worker found hanging yesterday in West Bengal's Purulia district has indicated he committed suicide.&nbsp;

Dulal Kumar was found hanging from an electricity tower on Saturday.&nbsp;

His was the second body to be found hanging in quick succession.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-a-year-of-keeping-quiet-kejriwal-renews-attacks-on-modi-141947">After a year of keeping quiet, Kejriwal renews attacks on Modi</a>&nbsp;

In 2017, following AAP's poor performance in Punjab and the BJP's sweep in Uttar Pradesh, Kejriwal consciously decided to minimise his attacks on his bete-noire, Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

He continued with the strategy for a little more than a year. But with the BJP suffering a string of electoral defeats and anti-incumbency sentiment slowly setting in against the BJP government at the Centre, Kejriwal has renewed his attacks on Modi with the same level of acerbity as before.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/features/swara-bhasker-told-off-by-pakistan-actress-for-calling-the-country-a-failing-state--141923">Swara </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/features/swara-bhasker-told-off-by-pakistan-actress-for-calling-the-country-a-failing-state--141923">Bhasker</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/features/swara-bhasker-told-off-by-pakistan-actress-for-calling-the-country-a-failing-state--141923"> calls Pakistan 'failing state'. Pak actress calls her 'failing human being'</a>

Pakistani actress Urwa Hocane has responded to Bollywood actress Swara Bhasker calling Pakistan a 'failing state'.&nbsp;

Hocane, in her response, called Bhasker a 'failing human being'.&nbsp;

Bhasker made her comment after her most recent film Veere Di Wedding was banned in Pakistan because of its "vulgar content".&nbsp;

Whatever I have to say, I will say in Nagpur: Pranab Mukherjee on accepting RSS invite Former President Pranab Mukherjee has responded to the criticism (and the many suggestions) he has got after accepting an invite to an RSS event. Mukherjee has been invited to speak to swayamsevaks in Nagpur on June 7 at the concluding function of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's Tritiya Varsha Varg or third-year course. En route to Mauritius, Sushma Swaraj's plane went incommunicado for 14 minutes Mauritius air traffic control was given a serious scare Saturday when External Affaris Minister Sushma Swaraj's aircraft, flying in from Trivandrum, went incommunicado for about 14 minutes. Swaraj's Embraer ERJ135 jet took from Trivandrum at 4 pm and lost contact at around 4.44 pm. Autopsy of BJP worker found hanging in Bengal says suicide The autopsy conducted on the body of the BJP worker found hanging yesterday in West Bengal's Purulia district has indicated he committed suicide. Dulal Kumar was found hanging from an electricity tower on Saturday. His was the second body to be found hanging in quick succession. After a year of keeping quiet, Kejriwal renews attacks on Modi In 2017, following AAP's poor performance in Punjab and the BJP's sweep in Uttar Pradesh, Kejriwal consciously decided to minimise his attacks on his bete-noire, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He continued with the strategy for a little more than a year. But with the BJP suffering a string of electoral defeats and anti-incumbency sentiment slowly setting in against the BJP government at the Centre, Kejriwal has renewed his attacks on Modi with the same level of acerbity as before. Swara Bhasker calls Pakistan 'failing state'. Pak actress calls her 'failing human being' Pakistani actress Urwa Hocane has responded to Bollywood actress Swara Bhasker calling Pakistan a 'failing state'. Hocane, in her response, called Bhasker a 'failing human being'. Bhasker made her comment after her most recent film Veere Di Wedding was banned in Pakistan because of its "vulgar content".

News brief: Big stories of the day

In a boxing match, a player sometimes fends off the opponent, sometimes defends, and then, at the apt moment, he attacks.

As momentum gathers for the 2019 general election, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal seems to be playing the political game just as carefully, say leaders of his Aam Aadmi Party and political observers.

In 2017, following AAP's poor performance in Punjab and the BJP's sweep in Uttar Pradesh, Kejriwal consciously decided to minimise his attacks on his bete-noire, Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp

He continued with the strategy for a little more than a year. But with the BJP suffering a string of electoral defeats and anti-incumbency sentiment slowly setting in&nbspagainst the BJP government at the Centre, Kejriwal has renewed his attacks on Modi with the same level of acerbity as before.

"When Kejriwal changed strategy in 2017, post Uttar Pradesh poll results, the charisma of Modi was intact. You don't attack a leader who is popular because that will backfire. But when he is becoming unpopular, change the strategy,&nbspa senior AAP leader told PTI.

The rising fuel prices that has resulted in anger among the people, the recent defeats in the bypolls and the opposition banding together against the BJP have prompted the change, he said.

On May 31, the day of the bypoll results in which the BJP won one parliamentary seat and one assembly seat of 14 constituencies, Kejriwal posted a carefully timed tweet in praise of former prime minister Manmohan Singh, the target of his anti-graft campaign during the 2013 Delhi Assembly polls and the Lok Sabha polls the following year.

Taking a swipe at Modi, Kejriwal said people were missing an "educated prime minister" like Manmohan Singh.

"It's dawning on people now that the PM should be educated," Kejriwal tweeted, posting a Wall Street Journal article on the falling rupee.

This was a clear dig at Modi, reminiscent of his past attacks on the prime minister and reiterating doubts on the authenticity of his educational qualifications.

After the bypoll results became known, Kejriwal said the results were a reflection of people's anger against the prime minister.

The BJP had earlier lost Karnataka and the Gorakhpur and Phulpur parliamentary constituencies in Uttar Pradesh.

On May 31 itself, Kejriwal tweeted a video about people in Varanasi criticising the prime minister. He sought to link the CBI raid on state Health Minister Satyendar Jain's residence to steps the Delhi government is planning to take to reduce the charges by hospitals.

On the raid that took on place on May 30, he tweeted, "What does PM Modi want?"

A few days before that, on May 26, responding to a tweet on the performance of Delhi government schools, Kerjiwal said, "This is despite the obstacles created by the LG, the BJP and the PM. Congratulations to all students, principals and teachers."

On May 22, he attacked the prime minister's insurance scheme on the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). "PM's crop insurance scheme is a complete fraud on the farmers. Its sole objective is to benefit some insurance companies,"&nbspthe AAP chief said.

"Attacking a leader when he is popular will backfire. When the opposition is uniting against Modi, the bypoll results suggest that anti-incumbency is setting in, he is jumping on the bandwagon and mounting an attack,"&nbspsaid political analyst Sanjay Kumar.

AAP's Delhi unit spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj said Kejriwal was a human being and was bound to hit back.

"How long will you push him against the wall? After all he is a human being, he is bound to hit back. They have not allowed the Delhi government to function,"&nbsphe said.

"We also tried to use the strategy of minimising our attacks and instead focus on work, but the incidents over past one year reflect that the strategy has not worked,"&nbspBharadwaj added.&nbsp

He was referring to the recent raids on Jain's residence by the CBI, the interrogation of the chief minister and his deputy Manish Sisodia in the case of an alleged assault on Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash by AAP MLAs, the removal of Delhi government advisors, including Atishi Marlena, and the arrest of Kejriwal's kin in an alleged irregularity in the PWD related work.&nbsp

Kejriwal kept mum in 2017 after AAP's poor performance in Punjab and the the BJP's sweep of Uttar Pradesh. But now, with Modi on the backfoot, the Delhi Chief Minister has renewed his attacks with the same level of acerbity as earlier

In a boxing match, a player sometimes fends off the opponent, sometimes defends, and then, at the apt moment, he attacks. As momentum gathers for the 2019 general election, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal seems to be playing the political game just as carefully, say leaders of his Aam Aadmi Party and political observers. In 2017, following AAP's poor performance in Punjab and the BJP's sweep in Uttar Pradesh, Kejriwal consciously decided to minimise his attacks on his bete-noire, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He continued with the strategy for a little more than a year. But with the BJP suffering a string of electoral defeats and anti-incumbency sentiment slowly setting in&nbspagainst the BJP government at the Centre, Kejriwal has renewed his attacks on Modi with the same level of acerbity as before. "When Kejriwal changed strategy in 2017, post Uttar Pradesh poll results, the charisma of Modi was intact. You don't attack a leader who is popular because that will backfire. But when he is becoming unpopular, change the strategy,&nbspa senior AAP leader told PTI. The rising fuel prices that has resulted in anger among the people, the recent defeats in the bypolls and the opposition banding together against the BJP have prompted the change, he said. On May 31, the day of the bypoll results in which the BJP won one parliamentary seat and one assembly seat of 14 constituencies, Kejriwal posted a carefully timed tweet in praise of former prime minister Manmohan Singh, the target of his anti-graft campaign during the 2013 Delhi Assembly polls and the Lok Sabha polls the following year. Taking a swipe at Modi, Kejriwal said people were missing an "educated prime minister" like Manmohan Singh. "It's dawning on people now that the PM should be educated," Kejriwal tweeted, posting a Wall Street Journal article on the falling rupee. This was a clear dig at Modi, reminiscent of his past attacks on the prime minister and reiterating doubts on the authenticity of his educational qualifications. After the bypoll results became known, Kejriwal said the results were a reflection of people's anger against the prime minister. The BJP had earlier lost Karnataka and the Gorakhpur and Phulpur parliamentary constituencies in Uttar Pradesh. On May 31 itself, Kejriwal tweeted a video about people in Varanasi criticising the prime minister. He sought to link the CBI raid on state Health Minister Satyendar Jain's residence to steps the Delhi government is planning to take to reduce the charges by hospitals. On the raid that took on place on May 30, he tweeted, "What does PM Modi want?" A few days before that, on May 26, responding to a tweet on the performance of Delhi government schools, Kerjiwal said, "This is despite the obstacles created by the LG, the BJP and the PM. Congratulations to all students, principals and teachers." On May 22, he attacked the prime minister's insurance scheme on the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). "PM's crop insurance scheme is a complete fraud on the farmers. Its sole objective is to benefit some insurance companies,"&nbspthe AAP chief said. "Attacking a leader when he is popular will backfire. When the opposition is uniting against Modi, the bypoll results suggest that anti-incumbency is setting in, he is jumping on the bandwagon and mounting an attack,"&nbspsaid political analyst Sanjay Kumar. AAP's Delhi unit spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj said Kejriwal was a human being and was bound to hit back. "How long will you push him against the wall? After all he is a human being, he is bound to hit back. They have not allowed the Delhi government to function,"&nbsphe said. "We also tried to use the strategy of minimising our attacks and instead focus on work, but the incidents over past one year reflect that the strategy has not worked,"&nbspBharadwaj added. He was referring to the recent raids on Jain's residence by the CBI, the interrogation of the chief minister and his deputy Manish Sisodia in the case of an alleged assault on Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash by AAP MLAs, the removal of Delhi government advisors, including Atishi Marlena, and the arrest of Kejriwal's kin in an alleged irregularity in the PWD related work.

After a year of keeping quiet, Kejriwal renews attacks on Modi 

The tussle between the AAP Government and the Centre further escalated on Tuesday with the cancellation of appointment of nine advisors to Delhi ministers, including those assisting Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, following the Union Home Ministry's directions which said these posts were "not sanctioned".

Launching a scathing attack on the Centre over the issue, Sisodia said that the Narendra Modi government's order was a "conspiracy to derail" the "education revolution" in Delhi.

Since no BJP government has been able to deliver anything in education and health sectors, the Centre is trying to paralyse the AAP government, he alleged, adding his advisor Atisi Marlena, who was playing a "vital role" in improving the education system, has been "targeted".

According to an order issued by General Administration Department of the Delhi government, the MHA had written in its letter that these posts on which the appointees are officiating are not in the list of posts approved for the ministers and the chief minister of Delhi.

"No prior approval of the central government has been taken for creation of said posts on which these persons have been appointed on co-terminus basis," the GAD order stated.&nbsp;

The Home ministry had sent the letter to GAD on April 10. The services are under the Lieutenant Governor.&nbsp;

Among the nine advisors whose appointment has been cancelled are Amardeep Tiwari (media advisor to law minister), Arunodya Prakash (media advisor to deputy chief minister), Raghav Chadha (advisor to finance minister), Atishi Marlena (media advisor to deputy chief minister).&nbsp;

Following the move, Sisodia took to twitter and said, "Modi Govt's order to remove Delhi govt advisors is a conspiracy to derail education revolution in Delhi.

"Real intention of the order is to paralyse our govt work, since no BJP govt has been able to deliver anything on education & health," he said.

Sisodia tweeted,"No wonder why Modi govt decided to remove advisors like @AtishiMarlena - an Stephenian who later studied at Oxford, then worked as Rhodes scholar, and then joined Delhi Education govt as advisor. She was working with me on Re 1/pm salary for last 3 years."

Later addressing reporters, he said that the Centre wants to "undermine" the education system in Delhi.

Sisodia said that the BJP-led government has targeted his advisor Marlena through this order as she is playing a vital role in improving the education system.

The deputy chief minister said that out of nine advisors, only four are currently working with the Delhi government.&nbsp;

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided to undermine the Delhi's education system that is why this order has been issued today," Sisodia alleged.&nbsp;

The Arvind Kejriwal government and the Centre have been at loggerheads on a range of issues, especialy appointment of officials.

 
&nbsp;

Launching a scathing attack on the Centre over the issue, Sisodia said that the Narendra Modi government's order was a 'conspiracy to derail' the 'education revolution' in Delhi

The tussle between the AAP Government and the Centre further escalated on Tuesday with the cancellation of appointment of nine advisors to Delhi ministers, including those assisting Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, following the Union Home Ministry's directions which said these posts were "not sanctioned". Launching a scathing attack on the Centre over the issue, Sisodia said that the Narendra Modi government's order was a "conspiracy to derail" the "education revolution" in Delhi. Since no BJP government has been able to deliver anything in education and health sectors, the Centre is trying to paralyse the AAP government, he alleged, adding his advisor Atisi Marlena, who was playing a "vital role" in improving the education system, has been "targeted". According to an order issued by General Administration Department of the Delhi government, the MHA had written in its letter that these posts on which the appointees are officiating are not in the list of posts approved for the ministers and the chief minister of Delhi. "No prior approval of the central government has been taken for creation of said posts on which these persons have been appointed on co-terminus basis," the GAD order stated. The Home ministry had sent the letter to GAD on April 10. The services are under the Lieutenant Governor. Among the nine advisors whose appointment has been cancelled are Amardeep Tiwari (media advisor to law minister), Arunodya Prakash (media advisor to deputy chief minister), Raghav Chadha (advisor to finance minister), Atishi Marlena (media advisor to deputy chief minister). Following the move, Sisodia took to twitter and said, "Modi Govt's order to remove Delhi govt advisors is a conspiracy to derail education revolution in Delhi. "Real intention of the order is to paralyse our govt work, since no BJP govt has been able to deliver anything on education & health," he said. Sisodia tweeted,"No wonder why Modi govt decided to remove advisors like @AtishiMarlena - an Stephenian who later studied at Oxford, then worked as Rhodes scholar, and then joined Delhi Education govt as advisor. She was working with me on Re 1/pm salary for last 3 years." Later addressing reporters, he said that the Centre wants to "undermine" the education system in Delhi. Sisodia said that the BJP-led government has targeted his advisor Marlena through this order as she is playing a vital role in improving the education system. The deputy chief minister said that out of nine advisors, only four are currently working with the Delhi government. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided to undermine the Delhi's education system that is why this order has been issued today," Sisodia alleged. The Arvind Kejriwal government and the Centre have been at loggerheads on a range of issues, especialy appointment of officials.

AAP-Centre tussle: Appointment of 9 advisors cancelled

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar has blamed the Aam Aadmi Party for vitiating the atmosphere. While addressing press the&nbsp;Minister of Human Resource and Development said that people from AAP held out a rally outside a Delhi Mosque during Ram Navami. He added that the people shouted inciting slogans and&nbsp;were dressed in saffron.

Javadeskar said, " Yesterday I saw on a channel that on Sri Ram Navmi some saffron clad people gathered outside a Delhi Mosque with swords and raised inciting slogans, later it was revealed that they belonged to AAP. It is clear attempt to vitiate atmosphere".

He also questioned the Congress party about the arrest of state chief Ghulam Mir.&nbsp;

He said, " Our two ministers resigned, but Congress state chief Ghulam Mir said the same so why no action against him by Rahul Ji? Jammu Bar Association chief was polling agent of GN Azad. Azad ji&nbsp;has no responsibility? He should apologise to nation".

The Congress state chief reportedly spoke in support of the outfits that protested against the arrest of the accused involved in Kathua rape and murder case. Citing a video, reports also said that the Congress Chief claimed that the real culprits in the case were being protected.&nbsp;

Two BJP leaders Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Ganga resigned from the party on Friday over massive outrage that emerged following their participation in a rally that was organised in support of the accused in Kathua gang rape and murder.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Yesterday I saw on a channel that on Sri Ram Navmi some saffron clad ppl gathered outside a Delhi Mosque with swords&raised inciting slogans,later it was revealed that they belonged to AAP. It is a clear attempt to vitiate atmosphere: Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister <a href="https://t.co/PIKxN6zJNH">pic.twitter.com/PIKxN6zJNH</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/985425833178357760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Javadeskar said, ' Yesterday I saw on a channel that on Sri Ram Navmi some saffron clad people gathered outside a Delhi Mosque with swords and raised inciting slogans, later it was revealed that they belonged to AAP. It is clear attempt to vitiate atmosphere'

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar has blamed the Aam Aadmi Party for vitiating the atmosphere. While addressing press the Minister of Human Resource and Development said that people from AAP held out a rally outside a Delhi Mosque during Ram Navami. He added that the people shouted inciting slogans and were dressed in saffron. Javadeskar said, " Yesterday I saw on a channel that on Sri Ram Navmi some saffron clad people gathered outside a Delhi Mosque with swords and raised inciting slogans, later it was revealed that they belonged to AAP. It is clear attempt to vitiate atmosphere". He also questioned the Congress party about the arrest of state chief Ghulam Mir. He said, " Our two ministers resigned, but Congress state chief Ghulam Mir said the same so why no action against him by Rahul Ji? Jammu Bar Association chief was polling agent of GN Azad. Azad ji has no responsibility? He should apologise to nation". The Congress state chief reportedly spoke in support of the outfits that protested against the arrest of the accused involved in Kathua rape and murder case. Citing a video, reports also said that the Congress Chief claimed that the real culprits in the case were being protected. Two BJP leaders Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Ganga resigned from the party on Friday over massive outrage that emerged following their participation in a rally that was organised in support of the accused in Kathua gang rape and murder. Yesterday I saw on a channel that on Sri Ram Navmi some saffron clad ppl gathered outside a Delhi Mosque with swords&raised inciting slogans,later it was revealed that they belonged to AAP. It is a clear attempt to vitiate atmosphere: Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister pic.twitter.com/PIKxN6zJNH — ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2018 ×

Saffron-clad AAP members wielding swords gathered outside mosque: Javadekar

Aap, News on Aap, stories on Aap, articles on Aap, Aap stories at Wion, Aap news, Aap latest news