Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Friday directed his MLAs and councillors to hold public meetings across the city to take feedback from the people about his government's proposal to make travel free for women in public buses and metro.

The step is also aimed at mobilising public opinion in favour of the party ahead of the assembly polls.&nbsp;

Addressing a press conference at Kejriwal's official residence here, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said the Chief Minister held a meeting with MLAs, councillors and the party's women wing and directed them to hold 1,000 'sabhas' (meetings) across Delhi.

People participating in these planned 'sabhas' will be told that the BJP is opposing the AAP government's decision, Sisodia said, adding that the party will also seek to know who all are supporting the saffron party.

"The CM has directed all AAP MLAs and councillors to hold 1,000 small public meetings across Delhi to take people's feedback on the scheme.&nbsp; 
Every MLA and councillor has been asked to hold 10 small meetings in their respective areas," Sisodia said.

The move comes a day after Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said Kejriwal has announced the scheme of providing free ride to women in buses and Metro without making any proposal.

Sisodia said, "The chief minister has asked them to submit the outcome of these meetings in a week."

In its maiden assembly polls in 2013, when the AAP bagged 28 seats and fell short of seven MLAs to form the government, the AAP had conducted mohalla sabhas seeking views on whether to take support from the Congress.&nbsp;

The party said people had then overwhelmingly favoured taking Congress' support.&nbsp;

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Friday directed his MLAs and councillors to hold public meetings across the city to take feedback from the people about his government's proposal to make travel free for women in public buses and metro.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Friday directed his MLAs and councillors to hold public meetings across the city to take feedback from the people about his government's proposal to make travel free for women in public buses and metro. The step is also aimed at mobilising public opinion in favour of the party ahead of the assembly polls. Addressing a press conference at Kejriwal's official residence here, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said the Chief Minister held a meeting with MLAs, councillors and the party's women wing and directed them to hold 1,000 'sabhas' (meetings) across Delhi. People participating in these planned 'sabhas' will be told that the BJP is opposing the AAP government's decision, Sisodia said, adding that the party will also seek to know who all are supporting the saffron party. "The CM has directed all AAP MLAs and councillors to hold 1,000 small public meetings across Delhi to take people's feedback on the scheme. Every MLA and councillor has been asked to hold 10 small meetings in their respective areas," Sisodia said. The move comes a day after Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said Kejriwal has announced the scheme of providing free ride to women in buses and Metro without making any proposal. Sisodia said, "The chief minister has asked them to submit the outcome of these meetings in a week." In its maiden assembly polls in 2013, when the AAP bagged 28 seats and fell short of seven MLAs to form the government, the AAP had conducted mohalla sabhas seeking views on whether to take support from the Congress. The party said people had then overwhelmingly favoured taking Congress' support.

Free ride for women: Arvind Kejriwal directs MLAs, councillors to hold public meetings to seek feedback

The biggest achievement of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-court-grants-bail-to-aap-leaders-atishi-others-in-defamation-case-225184">Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)&nbsp;the government </a>in the field of governance is the "successful" implementation of outcome budget, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said Friday.

The outcome budget, introduced in 2017-18 as a novel idea of the ruling AAP, has helped in removing bottlenecks to improve the delivery of services and goods to people of Delhi, Sisodia said.&nbsp;

The outcome budget tracks performance of 567 schemes and programmes of the Delhi government through nearly 2,000 quantifiable indicators.&nbsp;

"I consider outcome budget as the biggest achievement of our government in past 4.5 years in the field of governance," the deputy chief minister said.

He was speaking at a national conference on outcome budgeting organised by Dialogue and Development Commission of Delhi. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Sisodia also released the outcome budget of the Delhi government for 2019-20.

He said outcome budget is the force behind big ticket reforms by the Delhi government in power and water supply, education and health services and the doorstep delivery services.

Sisodia asserted that in the next couple of decades, outcome budgeting will emerge as a baseline for reforms in the governance area.

The biggest achievement of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) the government in the field of governance is the "successful" implementation of outcome budget, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said Friday.

The biggest achievement of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) the government in the field of governance is the "successful" implementation of outcome budget, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said Friday. The outcome budget, introduced in 2017-18 as a novel idea of the ruling AAP, has helped in removing bottlenecks to improve the delivery of services and goods to people of Delhi, Sisodia said. The outcome budget tracks performance of 567 schemes and programmes of the Delhi government through nearly 2,000 quantifiable indicators. "I consider outcome budget as the biggest achievement of our government in past 4.5 years in the field of governance," the deputy chief minister said. He was speaking at a national conference on outcome budgeting organised by Dialogue and Development Commission of Delhi. Sisodia also released the outcome budget of the Delhi government for 2019-20. He said outcome budget is the force behind big ticket reforms by the Delhi government in power and water supply, education and health services and the doorstep delivery services. Sisodia asserted that in the next couple of decades, outcome budgeting will emerge as a baseline for reforms in the governance area.

Outcome budget biggest achievement of AAP government: Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/dont-get-disheartened-by-lok-sabha-defeat-look-forward-to-assembly-polls-kejriwal-to-party-workers-221864">Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal</a> on Monday held a Cabinet meeting to review the ongoing developmental work in the national capital.

Present in the meeting were senior cabinet colleagues like Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Minister Development, Labour &amp; Employment, General Administration Gopal Rai and others.

Kejriwal on Sunday motivated party workers and asked them not to get disheartened by their crushing defeat in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. He said "they should now look forward to the Delhi Assembly elections," which are slated to take place next year.

He urged the AAP volunteers to go to "people of Delhi and ask them if Delhi had elected a BJP state government four years ago, would schools have been transformed, would mohalla clinics have been made, would doorstep delivery be started?"

AAP got a massive jolt from the BJP and got decimated to zero in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections in Delhi. AAP, which is running the government in Delhi, slipped down to the third position with a vote share of a little over 18 per cent, while BJP got over 56 per cent and Congress over 22 per cent.

Three of AAP's candidates lost their deposits getting less than 16.66 per cent votes.

&nbsp;

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday held a Cabinet meeting to review the ongoing developmental work in the national capital. Present in the meeting were senior cabinet colleagues like Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Minister Development, Labour & Employment, General Administration Gopal Rai and others.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday held a Cabinet meeting to review the ongoing developmental work in the national capital. Present in the meeting were senior cabinet colleagues like Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Minister Development, Labour & Employment, General Administration Gopal Rai and others. Kejriwal on Sunday motivated party workers and asked them not to get disheartened by their crushing defeat in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. He said "they should now look forward to the Delhi Assembly elections," which are slated to take place next year. He urged the AAP volunteers to go to "people of Delhi and ask them if Delhi had elected a BJP state government four years ago, would schools have been transformed, would mohalla clinics have been made, would doorstep delivery be started?" AAP got a massive jolt from the BJP and got decimated to zero in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections in Delhi. AAP, which is running the government in Delhi, slipped down to the third position with a vote share of a little over 18 per cent, while BJP got over 56 per cent and Congress over 22 per cent. Three of AAP's candidates lost their deposits getting less than 16.66 per cent votes.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal holds cabinet meeting to review development work

Aam Aadmi Party has sent legal notice to BJP and its East Delhi candidate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/he-is-above-all-this-harbhajan-singh-and-vvs-laxman-vouch-for-gautam-gambhir-in-pamphlet-row-217489">Gautam Gambhir</a> over "derogatory" pamphlet against AAP leader Atishi Marlena.

AAP has immediately sought an apology from them in writing and also asked them to publish the same 'along with true and correct facts'&nbsp;in newspapers within 24 hours.

The notice alleged that the "offending publication (pamphlet) on Atishi " was issued either by them (BJP and Gautam Gambhir) or the persons authorised by them.

"In view of the above, you are hereby called upon to render immediately a complete, express, unqualified and unambiguous apology to our client, its leaders and its candidate for inflicting the libel upon them, which must be tendered to our client personally in writing by you as well as well as printing the same along with true and correct facts in Delhi as well as across India within 24 hours," the legal notice by AAP read.

It also warned that if they fail to do so, legal proceedings both criminal (for the "offence" of criminal defamation and civil suit (for recovery of damages) will be initiated against them.

This comes a day after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/gautam-gambhir-sends-defamation-notice-to-kejriwal-sisodia-atishi-demands-unconditional-apology-217366">Gautam Gambhir had sent defamation notice to AAP leaders</a>-- Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and Atishi demanding an unconditional apology from making "defamatory" comments against him.

The row started with AAP leaders accusing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/will-tender-resignation-drafted-by-kejriwal-if-proven-guilty-gautam-gambhir-217400">Gautam Gambhir</a> of circulating pamphlets with derogatory and casteist remarks against his rival candidate Atishi.

On Thursday, Delhi's deputy chief minister Sisodia had accused the cricketer-turned-politician of distributing pamphlets in an attempt to defame Atishi.

"Language in this pamphlet, distributed in East Delhi, is so abusive and low that everybody will feel ashamed while reading it. This letter with derogatory remarks is distributed by Gautam Gambhir to make himself win. We never, in our worst dream, had thought that he (Gambhir) would stoop to this low to win polls," Sisodia had said.

AAP chief Kejriwal also reiterated the charges and raised similar questions."How can women expect safety if people with such mentality are voted in? Atishi, stay strong. I can imagine how difficult it must be for you. It is precisely this kind of forces we have to fight against," he had tweeted.

Gambhir and Atishi are in a three-cornered battle along with Congress candidate Arvinder Singh Lovely from the east-Delhi parliamentary constituency which will go to polls on May 9.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Aam Aadmi Party has sent legal notice to BJP and its East Delhi candidate Gautam Gambhir over "derogatory" pamphlet against AAP leader Atishi Marlena. AAP has immediately sought an apology from them in writing and also asked them to publish the same 'along with true and correct facts' in newspapers within 24 hours.

Aam Aadmi Party has sent legal notice to BJP and its East Delhi candidate Gautam Gambhir over "derogatory" pamphlet against AAP leader Atishi Marlena. AAP has immediately sought an apology from them in writing and also asked them to publish the same 'along with true and correct facts' in newspapers within 24 hours. The notice alleged that the "offending publication (pamphlet) on Atishi " was issued either by them (BJP and Gautam Gambhir) or the persons authorised by them. "In view of the above, you are hereby called upon to render immediately a complete, express, unqualified and unambiguous apology to our client, its leaders and its candidate for inflicting the libel upon them, which must be tendered to our client personally in writing by you as well as well as printing the same along with true and correct facts in Delhi as well as across India within 24 hours," the legal notice by AAP read. It also warned that if they fail to do so, legal proceedings both criminal (for the "offence" of criminal defamation and civil suit (for recovery of damages) will be initiated against them. This comes a day after Gautam Gambhir had sent defamation notice to AAP leaders-- Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and Atishi demanding an unconditional apology from making "defamatory" comments against him. The row started with AAP leaders accusing Gautam Gambhir of circulating pamphlets with derogatory and casteist remarks against his rival candidate Atishi. On Thursday, Delhi's deputy chief minister Sisodia had accused the cricketer-turned-politician of distributing pamphlets in an attempt to defame Atishi. "Language in this pamphlet, distributed in East Delhi, is so abusive and low that everybody will feel ashamed while reading it. This letter with derogatory remarks is distributed by Gautam Gambhir to make himself win. We never, in our worst dream, had thought that he (Gambhir) would stoop to this low to win polls," Sisodia had said. AAP chief Kejriwal also reiterated the charges and raised similar questions."How can women expect safety if people with such mentality are voted in? Atishi, stay strong. I can imagine how difficult it must be for you. It is precisely this kind of forces we have to fight against," he had tweeted. Gambhir and Atishi are in a three-cornered battle along with Congress candidate Arvinder Singh Lovely from the east-Delhi parliamentary constituency which will go to polls on May 9.

Pamphlet row: AAP sends legal notice to BJP, Gambhir; demands 'unconditional' apology

Former cricketer and BJP's candidate from East Delhi constituency, Gautam Gambhir has sent a defamation notice to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders Atishi Marlena, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, demanding an unconditional apology for making "defamatory" comments against him.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/gautam-gambhir-demands-proofs-after-aaps-atishi-accuses-him-of-distributing-pamphlets-against-her-217298">Gambhir also asked the three AAP leaders</a> to "cease and desist" from any further circulation of the "impugned statements".

"You noticees (three AAP leaders) are called upon to tender an unconditional and unqualified apology to our client for defaming him with the false and baseless allegations," the notice sent to AAP leaders by Gambhir's counsel read. It also warned that failing to render an unconditional apology would invite further legal actions, both civil and criminal."

In the event, your notice fail to comply with the above, we have specific instructions from our client to initiate appropriate legal proceedings, both civil and criminal," the notice further said.

The BJP leader also alleged that the statements were made to cloud the impression of voters in East Delhi constituency with the sole attempt to manipulate the mindset of voters.

The legal notice also mentioned the statements made by the AAP leaders in the press conference and on micro-blogging site Twitter.

Earlier in the day, Gambhir had challenged the Aam Aadmi Party chief to prove the allegations levelled against him while asserting that he will be filing a defamation case against AAP leaders for "tarnishing" his image by alleging that he had made <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/aaps-atishi-charges-bjp-with-distributing-obscene-pamphlets-against-her-party-denies-217295">defamatory pamphlets against his rival Aatishi</a>.

Gambhir's comments came hours after he was accused of circulating pamphlets with derogatory and casteist remarks against his rival candidate Atishi Marlena.

"If they can get proof, I will resign right now and if they get a proof by May 23, I will resign on that particular day. But if Delhi Chief Minister and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal do not get the proof, will he accept the challenge and leave politics forever on 23rd?," Gambhir told ANI.

He had also threatened to file a defamation case on the issue and said, "I will definitely file a defamation case against them. You cannot tarnish someone's image just like that if you don't have the proof. I have never given a negative statement against anyone so far in my election campaigning."

Earlier in the day, Delhi's deputy chief minister Sisodia had accused the cricketer-turned-politician of distributing pamphlets in an attempt to defame Atishi.

"Language in this pamphlet, distributed in East Delhi, is so abusive and low that everybody will feel ashamed while reading it. This letter with derogatory remarks is distributed by Gautam Gambhir to make himself win. We never, in our worst dream, had thought that he (Gambhir) would stoop to this low to win polls," Sisodia had said.

AAP chief Kejriwal also reiterated the charges and raised similar questions.

"How can women expect safety if people with such mentality are voted in? Atishi, stay strong. I can imagine how difficult it must be for you. It is precisely this kind of forces we have to fight against," he had tweeted.

Gambhir and Atishi are in a three-cornered battle along with Congress candidate Arvinder Singh Lovely from the east-Delhi parliamentary constituency which will go to polls on May 9.

Former cricketer and BJP's candidate from East Delhi constituency, Gautam Gambhir has sent a defamation notice to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders Atishi Marlena, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, demanding an unconditional apology for making "defamatory" comments against him.

Former cricketer and BJP's candidate from East Delhi constituency, Gautam Gambhir has sent a defamation notice to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders Atishi Marlena, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, demanding an unconditional apology for making "defamatory" comments against him. Gambhir also asked the three AAP leaders to "cease and desist" from any further circulation of the "impugned statements". "You noticees (three AAP leaders) are called upon to tender an unconditional and unqualified apology to our client for defaming him with the false and baseless allegations," the notice sent to AAP leaders by Gambhir's counsel read. It also warned that failing to render an unconditional apology would invite further legal actions, both civil and criminal." In the event, your notice fail to comply with the above, we have specific instructions from our client to initiate appropriate legal proceedings, both civil and criminal," the notice further said. The BJP leader also alleged that the statements were made to cloud the impression of voters in East Delhi constituency with the sole attempt to manipulate the mindset of voters. The legal notice also mentioned the statements made by the AAP leaders in the press conference and on micro-blogging site Twitter. Earlier in the day, Gambhir had challenged the Aam Aadmi Party chief to prove the allegations levelled against him while asserting that he will be filing a defamation case against AAP leaders for "tarnishing" his image by alleging that he had made defamatory pamphlets against his rival Aatishi. Gambhir's comments came hours after he was accused of circulating pamphlets with derogatory and casteist remarks against his rival candidate Atishi Marlena. "If they can get proof, I will resign right now and if they get a proof by May 23, I will resign on that particular day. But if Delhi Chief Minister and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal do not get the proof, will he accept the challenge and leave politics forever on 23rd?," Gambhir told ANI. He had also threatened to file a defamation case on the issue and said, "I will definitely file a defamation case against them. You cannot tarnish someone's image just like that if you don't have the proof. I have never given a negative statement against anyone so far in my election campaigning." Earlier in the day, Delhi's deputy chief minister Sisodia had accused the cricketer-turned-politician of distributing pamphlets in an attempt to defame Atishi. "Language in this pamphlet, distributed in East Delhi, is so abusive and low that everybody will feel ashamed while reading it. This letter with derogatory remarks is distributed by Gautam Gambhir to make himself win. We never, in our worst dream, had thought that he (Gambhir) would stoop to this low to win polls," Sisodia had said. AAP chief Kejriwal also reiterated the charges and raised similar questions. "How can women expect safety if people with such mentality are voted in? Atishi, stay strong. I can imagine how difficult it must be for you. It is precisely this kind of forces we have to fight against," he had tweeted. Gambhir and Atishi are in a three-cornered battle along with Congress candidate Arvinder Singh Lovely from the east-Delhi parliamentary constituency which will go to polls on May 9.

Gautam Gambhir sends defamation notice to Kejriwal, Sisodia, Atishi; demands 'unconditional apology'

Replying to a notice sent by the Delhi poll panel, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/delhi-police-man-who-attacked-cm-was-aap-supporter-215994&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj1tZWDroniAhUKv48KHYRPCpwQFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw29cbuLXYBrL1QFL677SR4U">Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia</a> Tuesday said he had no hesitation in accepting that he was trying to convince people to vote for education and health instead of Mandir-Masjid (politics of religion).

Sisodia was issued a notice by the Delhi chief electoral officer following a complaint by the BJP which alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) used public funds for issuing letters seeking votes by highlighting achievements of the government.

"However, as far as the complaint of <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/mahagatbandhan-isnt-a-challenge-for-bharatiya-janata-party-rajnath-singh-216271&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjh9YidroniAhVYiHAKHUQCBroQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2oyzYhtb8wlIKl0MWhvqeu">Bharatiya Janata Party</a>&nbsp;leader is concerned, I would like to say that this is nothing but the expression of their frustration. The letters have been written by me to individuals in my personal capacity. No public fund has been used in sending the letters," he said in his reply.

The minister also urged the BJP not to indulge in "petty politics" and try to seek votes on the basis of work "if they have done any". 
He said the Election Commission should "also encourage political parties to seek votes on the issues like education, health, water, electricity, jobs, etc, and discourage parties who are seeking votes in the name of hate".

Citing that the pass percentage of Delhi government schools in class 12 has increased and crossed 94 per cent, which is a record in the history of national capital, Sisodia said not only education but the infrastructure of schools and several other things have undergone a drastic change.

"It's a matter of pride for me to be the Education Minister of Delhi and I have no hesitation to accept that I am trying to convince people of Delhi to vote on the issues of education, health, etc. Instead of issues of Mandir-Masjid and other fictitious issues being raised by BJP and its leader Sh. Narender Modiji," he said in the reply.

Replying to a notice sent by the Delhi poll panel, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia Tuesday said he had no hesitation in accepting that he was trying to convince people to vote for education and health instead of Mandir-Masjid (politics of religion).

Replying to a notice sent by the Delhi poll panel, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia Tuesday said he had no hesitation in accepting that he was trying to convince people to vote for education and health instead of Mandir-Masjid (politics of religion). Sisodia was issued a notice by the Delhi chief electoral officer following a complaint by the BJP which alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) used public funds for issuing letters seeking votes by highlighting achievements of the government. "However, as far as the complaint of Bharatiya Janata Party leader is concerned, I would like to say that this is nothing but the expression of their frustration. The letters have been written by me to individuals in my personal capacity. No public fund has been used in sending the letters," he said in his reply. The minister also urged the BJP not to indulge in "petty politics" and try to seek votes on the basis of work "if they have done any". He said the Election Commission should "also encourage political parties to seek votes on the issues like education, health, water, electricity, jobs, etc, and discourage parties who are seeking votes in the name of hate". Citing that the pass percentage of Delhi government schools in class 12 has increased and crossed 94 per cent, which is a record in the history of national capital, Sisodia said not only education but the infrastructure of schools and several other things have undergone a drastic change. "It's a matter of pride for me to be the Education Minister of Delhi and I have no hesitation to accept that I am trying to convince people of Delhi to vote on the issues of education, health, etc. Instead of issues of Mandir-Masjid and other fictitious issues being raised by BJP and its leader Sh. Narender Modiji," he said in the reply.

Trying to convince people to vote for education, health instead of religion: Sisodia

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.

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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>
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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 

A day after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-tender-resignation-aap-mla-alka-lamba-over-resolution-to-revoke-rajiv-gandhis-bharat-ratna-185744">AAP MLA</a> Jarnail Singh said that the Delhi Assembly passed a resolution demanding the stripping off of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-assembly-passes-resolution-demanding-withdrawal-of-bharat-ratna-from-rajiv-gandhi-185725">Bharat Ratna award from former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi</a>, AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia clarified on Saturday that the resolution was not yet passed.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal in a press briefing on Saturday said that though the amendment was presented in the assembly, it was not passed yet.

Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia also clarified saying that the resolution presented in the assembly was handwritten and it cannot be passed in such manner.

"The aim of the original resolution, moved by MLA Jarnail Singh, was only to help the victims of 1984 riots get justice. No resolution mentioning late PM Rajiv Gandhi was passed in the assembly as being reported in the media," Sisodia said.

The Delhi Assembly on Friday adopted a resolution on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in which it was demanded that Bharat Ratna awarded to former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi be withdrawn.

Jarnail Singh, while moving the resolution in the assembly, had mentioned Gandhi's name while reading the text and demanded that the Congress leader's Bharat Ratna be withdrawn for "justifying the anti-Sikh riots".

Later, he had said though the reference to Gandhi in the resolution was not there in the written copies, it was made orally and passed by the House by voice vote.

(With input&nbsp;from agencies)

A day after AAP MLA Jarnail Singh said that the Delhi Assembly passed a resolution demanding the stripping off of Bharat Ratna award from former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia clarified on Saturday that the resolution was not yet passed.

A day after AAP MLA Jarnail Singh said that the Delhi Assembly passed a resolution demanding the stripping off of Bharat Ratna award from former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia clarified on Saturday that the resolution was not yet passed. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal in a press briefing on Saturday said that though the amendment was presented in the assembly, it was not passed yet. Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia also clarified saying that the resolution presented in the assembly was handwritten and it cannot be passed in such manner. "The aim of the original resolution, moved by MLA Jarnail Singh, was only to help the victims of 1984 riots get justice. No resolution mentioning late PM Rajiv Gandhi was passed in the assembly as being reported in the media," Sisodia said. The Delhi Assembly on Friday adopted a resolution on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in which it was demanded that Bharat Ratna awarded to former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi be withdrawn. Jarnail Singh, while moving the resolution in the assembly, had mentioned Gandhi's name while reading the text and demanded that the Congress leader's Bharat Ratna be withdrawn for "justifying the anti-Sikh riots". Later, he had said though the reference to Gandhi in the resolution was not there in the written copies, it was made orally and passed by the House by voice vote. (With input from agencies)

Did not pass resolution demanding withdrawal of Rajiv Gandhi's Bharat Ratna, AAP clarifies

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is scheduled to inaugurate the much-awaited Signature Bridge on the Yamuna in Delhi on November 4 and it will be thrown open for public on November 5.

Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia inspecting the infrastructure project on Friday and invited members of the public to the inauguration event today evening.

The bridge will reduce travel time between north and northeast Delhi, and will have designated selfie spots.

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Delhi! Here is your pride ..The Signature Bridge .. 
Ready to welcome you tomorrow for inauguration ceremony.. 4pm onwards.. Sunday. 4th Nov. <a href="https://t.co/kVicLkACWh">pic.twitter.com/kVicLkACWh</a>
— Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) <a href="https://twitter.com/msisodia/status/1058721043827834880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Delhiites will be able to enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the top of the bridge, where they will be taken in four elevators with a total capacity of carrying 50 people.

The elevators area likely to be operational in two months, an official said.
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He said the bridge will serve as a tourist destination with the 154-metre-high glass box giving a bird's-eye view of the city to visitors.

Talking to reporters during the inspection, Sisodia said the bridge will become a tourist spot.
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Announced in 2004, the bridge has missed several deadlines since 2011.

The proposal for the bridge, mooted in 2004, received approval of the Delhi Cabinet in 2007. It was initially expected to be completed at a modified estimate of Rs 1,131 crore for the Commonwealth Games, held in Delhi in October 2010.

In 2015, the cost of the project rose to Rs 1,594 crore. Reportedly, the bridge was proposed for the first time as early as in 1997 at an initial cost of Rs 464 crore.

The bridge will share the burden of vehicular traffic currently borne by the Wazirabad bridge.&nbsp;

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is scheduled to inaugurate the much-awaited Signature Bridge on the Yamuna in Delhi on November 4 and it will be thrown open for public on November 5.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is scheduled to inaugurate the much-awaited Signature Bridge on the Yamuna in Delhi on November 4 and it will be thrown open for public on November 5. Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia inspecting the infrastructure project on Friday and invited members of the public to the inauguration event today evening. The bridge will reduce travel time between north and northeast Delhi, and will have designated selfie spots. Delhi! Here is your pride ..The Signature Bridge .. Ready to welcome you tomorrow for inauguration ceremony.. 4pm onwards.. Sunday. 4th Nov. pic.twitter.com/kVicLkACWh — Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) November 3, 2018 × Delhiites will be able to enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the top of the bridge, where they will be taken in four elevators with a total capacity of carrying 50 people. The elevators area likely to be operational in two months, an official said. He said the bridge will serve as a tourist destination with the 154-metre-high glass box giving a bird's-eye view of the city to visitors. Talking to reporters during the inspection, Sisodia said the bridge will become a tourist spot. Announced in 2004, the bridge has missed several deadlines since 2011. The proposal for the bridge, mooted in 2004, received approval of the Delhi Cabinet in 2007. It was initially expected to be completed at a modified estimate of Rs 1,131 crore for the Commonwealth Games, held in Delhi in October 2010. In 2015, the cost of the project rose to Rs 1,594 crore. Reportedly, the bridge was proposed for the first time as early as in 1997 at an initial cost of Rs 464 crore. The bridge will share the burden of vehicular traffic currently borne by the Wazirabad bridge.

Arvind Kejriwal to inaugurate much-awaited Delhi Signature Bridge today

The sit-in by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his cabinet colleagues at the Lieutenant Governor's office entered Day 3 on Wednesday.&nbsp;

"The struggle continues," Kejirwal tweeted early this morning.&nbsp;

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सभी दिल्लीवासियों को सुप्रभात। 
 
Good morning 
 
दिल्ली के विकास के कामों में उत्पन्न की जा रही बाधाओं को दूर करवाने के लिए संघर्ष जारी है 
 
हमारा आत्मबल ही हमारी ताक़त है।
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1006721774321426432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Deputy CM Manish Sisodia meanwhile announced that he would join Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain on an indefinite hunger strike. Jain had gone on hunger strike on Tuesday.&nbsp;

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दिल्ली की जनता को उसका हक दिलाने और उसके रुके हुए काम कराने के लिए आज से मैं भी अनिश्चितकालीन अनशन पर बैठ रहा हूँ। सत्येंद्र जैन जी का अनशन भी कल से जारी है। 
 
हमारा आत्मबल और जनता का विश्वास ही हमारी ताकत है। <a href="https://twitter.com/LtGovDelhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LtGovDelhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/0zucAhXvmO">https://t.co/0zucAhXvmO</a>
— Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) <a href="https://twitter.com/msisodia/status/1006724961799585792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Kejirwal and his ministers had on Monday gone to meet LG Anil Baijal to ask him to get Delhi's IAS officers to call off their "strike".&nbsp;

They began their sit in when Baijal refused to meet them.&nbsp;

Baijal however has said the IAS officers are not on strike and that there therefore is no reason for Kejriwal's protest.&nbsp;

Delhi's bureaucrats and Kejriwal have been at loggerheads ever since the city's chief secretary Anshu Prakash was allegedly assaulted by two AAP MLAs.&nbsp;

The alleged assault took place at Kejriwal's residence and reportedly in the chief minister's presence.&nbsp;

The Aam AAdmit Party added later that it would march on the LG's residence today at 4 pm.&nbsp;

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Manish Sisodia said he would be joining his cabinet colleague Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain on an indefinite hunger strike. Jain began his hunger strike Tuesday

The sit-in by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his cabinet colleagues at the Lieutenant Governor's office entered Day 3 on Wednesday. "The struggle continues," Kejirwal tweeted early this morning. सभी दिल्लीवासियों को सुप्रभात। Good morning दिल्ली के विकास के कामों में उत्पन्न की जा रही बाधाओं को दूर करवाने के लिए संघर्ष जारी है हमारा आत्मबल ही हमारी ताक़त है। — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 13, 2018 × Deputy CM Manish Sisodia meanwhile announced that he would join Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain on an indefinite hunger strike. Jain had gone on hunger strike on Tuesday. दिल्ली की जनता को उसका हक दिलाने और उसके रुके हुए काम कराने के लिए आज से मैं भी अनिश्चितकालीन अनशन पर बैठ रहा हूँ। सत्येंद्र जैन जी का अनशन भी कल से जारी है। हमारा आत्मबल और जनता का विश्वास ही हमारी ताकत है। @LtGovDelhi https://t.co/0zucAhXvmO — Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) June 13, 2018 × Kejirwal and his ministers had on Monday gone to meet LG Anil Baijal to ask him to get Delhi's IAS officers to call off their "strike". They began their sit in when Baijal refused to meet them. Baijal however has said the IAS officers are not on strike and that there therefore is no reason for Kejriwal's protest. Delhi's bureaucrats and Kejriwal have been at loggerheads ever since the city's chief secretary Anshu Prakash was allegedly assaulted by two AAP MLAs. The alleged assault took place at Kejriwal's residence and reportedly in the chief minister's presence. The Aam AAdmit Party added later that it would march on the LG's residence today at 4 pm.

AAP sit-in at LG's waiting room enters Day 3, Delhi Deputy CM begins hunger strike

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 Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Wednesday alleged that Lt Governor Anil Baijal has not given appointment since Friday to him and two other ministers to discuss “important government” issues. In a series of tweets, Sisodia asked Baijal where was he busy if he cannot give time to discuss public issues despite “repeated requests”.

“Hon @LtGovDelhi sir! I have been requesting since Friday evening to your office for appointment. Myself along with Gopal Rai and Satyendra Jain wanted to discuss important govt issues with you. But you didn’t give any appointment…(sic),” Sisodia tweeted.

He further said, “@LtGovDelhi Sir! today when we requested you to meet us during CM-LG pre-scheduled weekly meeting, you turned down our this request also. “Sir where are you busy, if you can’t give time to 3 Delhi govt ministers to discuss Delhi public issues, despite repeated requests?”.

In another tweet, the deputy chief minister said that he along with Jain and Rai were waiting for the L-G’s response.

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Wednesday alleged that Lt Governor Anil Baijal has not given appointment since Friday to him and two other ministers to discuss “important government” issues. In a series of tweets, Sisodia asked Baijal where was he busy if he cannot give time to discuss public issues despite 'repeated requests'

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Wednesday alleged that Lt Governor Anil Baijal has not given appointment since Friday to him and two other ministers to discuss “important government” issues. In a series of tweets, Sisodia asked Baijal where was he busy if he cannot give time to discuss public issues despite “repeated requests”. “Hon @LtGovDelhi sir! I have been requesting since Friday evening to your office for appointment. Myself along with Gopal Rai and Satyendra Jain wanted to discuss important govt issues with you. But you didn’t give any appointment…(sic),” Sisodia tweeted. He further said, “@LtGovDelhi Sir! today when we requested you to meet us during CM-LG pre-scheduled weekly meeting, you turned down our this request also. “Sir where are you busy, if you can’t give time to 3 Delhi govt ministers to discuss Delhi public issues, despite repeated requests?”. In another tweet, the deputy chief minister said that he along with Jain and Rai were waiting for the L-G’s response.

Sisodia alleges Baijal not giving appointment to discuss 'important govt' issues

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

Delhi Deputy chief minister&nbsp;Manish Sisodia has written to Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar, &nbsp;requesting him to convene a day-long brainstorming session of all education ministers so that similar incidents do not happen in the future.

Sisodia, who is also Delhi education minister, wrote Javadekar against the backdrop of CBSE Class XII & X paper leaks.

News agency ANI reports that the exam papers were circulated in 10 WhatsApp groups with more than 50 members each including private tutors, students, and parents.&nbsp;

Delhi Police Crime Branch is questioning admins of these WhatsApp groups, ANI added.

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Students staged protests against paper leak in Ludhiana, Kanpur and several other places across the country.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi taunted PM Modi on the leaks, saying he would now write a sequel to his book "Exam Warriors" to teach students stress relief after their lives were "destroyed" due to paper leaks.

Mocking the prime minister on Twitter, Gandhi attached a photograph of Modi playing with children.

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PM wrote Exam Warriors, a book to teach students stress relief during exams. 
 
Next up: Exam Warriors 2, a book to teach students & parents stress relief, once their lives are destroyed due to leaked exam papers. <a href="https://t.co/YmSiY0w46b">pic.twitter.com/YmSiY0w46b</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/979622361099104257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"PM wrote Exam Warriors, a book to teach students stress relief during exams.

"Next up: Exam Warriors 2, a book to teach students and parents stress relief, once their lives are destroyed due to leaked exam papers," he tweeted.

The prime minister had also talked about fighting exam stress in his "Mann ki Baat" programme ahead of the board exams.

The Congress has been attacking the prime minister on the CBSE announcing a retest of the Class 10 mathematics and Class 12 economics papers after reports that they were leaked.

It has demanded the sacking of HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar and CBSE chairperson Anita Karwal and a judicial probe by a high court judge. 
In another tweet on the occasion of Good Friday, Gandhi hoped peace and love fills everyone's hearts and homes.

"On this Good Friday, let us forgive those who have hurt us make peace with those with whom we are at war let peace and love fill our hearts and our homes," he said.

Yesterday, Gandhi had targeted Modi over the series of leaks, including CBSE board papers, to say that the "chowkidar" was weak.&nbsp;

Sisodia, who is also Delhi education minister, wrote Javadekar against the backdrop of CBSE Class XII & X paper leaks.

Delhi Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia has written to Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar, requesting him to convene a day-long brainstorming session of all education ministers so that similar incidents do not happen in the future. Sisodia, who is also Delhi education minister, wrote Javadekar against the backdrop of CBSE Class XII & X paper leaks. News agency ANI reports that the exam papers were circulated in 10 WhatsApp groups with more than 50 members each including private tutors, students, and parents. Delhi Police Crime Branch is questioning admins of these WhatsApp groups, ANI added. Students staged protests against paper leak in Ludhiana, Kanpur and several other places across the country. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi taunted PM Modi on the leaks, saying he would now write a sequel to his book "Exam Warriors" to teach students stress relief after their lives were "destroyed" due to paper leaks. Mocking the prime minister on Twitter, Gandhi attached a photograph of Modi playing with children. PM wrote Exam Warriors, a book to teach students stress relief during exams. Next up: Exam Warriors 2, a book to teach students & parents stress relief, once their lives are destroyed due to leaked exam papers. pic.twitter.com/YmSiY0w46b — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 30, 2018 × "PM wrote Exam Warriors, a book to teach students stress relief during exams. "Next up: Exam Warriors 2, a book to teach students and parents stress relief, once their lives are destroyed due to leaked exam papers," he tweeted. The prime minister had also talked about fighting exam stress in his "Mann ki Baat" programme ahead of the board exams. The Congress has been attacking the prime minister on the CBSE announcing a retest of the Class 10 mathematics and Class 12 economics papers after reports that they were leaked. It has demanded the sacking of HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar and CBSE chairperson Anita Karwal and a judicial probe by a high court judge. In another tweet on the occasion of Good Friday, Gandhi hoped peace and love fills everyone's hearts and homes. "On this Good Friday, let us forgive those who have hurt us make peace with those with whom we are at war let peace and love fill our hearts and our homes," he said. Yesterday, Gandhi had targeted Modi over the series of leaks, including CBSE board papers, to say that the "chowkidar" was weak.

CBSE paper leak: Delhi deputy CM Sisodia writes to Javadekar, requests day-long meet

The Delhi Assembly on Wednesday passed a resolution, condemning the police&#39;s &quot;lethargic attitude&quot; in probing the alleged sexual harassment of some women students of JNU by a professor and stating that the AAP government would provide all possible help to the victims, including legal assistance by appointing special public prosecutors in the cases.

The resolution, moved by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Sourabh Bharadwaj, stated that the Delhi government should also provide counselling to the victims through its women and child welfare department and the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW).

It stated that the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students had filed complaints of sexual harassment and molestation against Atul Johri, a professor of the School of Life Sciences in the premier institute.

&quot;This House therefore condemns the lethargic attitude of the Delhi Police in not taking prompt action on the complaints of the students and hence, the students had to resort to protest and gherao of the police station to get their complaints heard and acted upon by the Delhi Police,&quot; the resolution that was passed by a voice vote stated.

&quot;The House resolves that the Government of Delhi shall extend all possible assistance to the victims, including legal assistance by appointing special public prosecutors, and counselling through its women and child welfare department and DCW,&quot; it further stated.

During the discussion on the resolution, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia attacked the Centre, alleging that &quot;a conspiracy is being hatched in the country for the last four years to ensure that the youth does not get a better education&quot;.

He further alleged that during the regime of the BJP-led central government, universities had hogged the limelight due to &quot;wrong reasons&quot; and their ranking had not improved at the world-level.&nbsp;

The Delhi Assembly on Wednesday passed a resolution, condemning the police's "lethargic attitude" in probing the alleged sexual harassment of some women students of JNU by a professor

The Delhi Assembly on Wednesday passed a resolution, condemning the police's "lethargic attitude" in probing the alleged sexual harassment of some women students of JNU by a professor and stating that the AAP government would provide all possible help to the victims, including legal assistance by appointing special public prosecutors in the cases. The resolution, moved by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Sourabh Bharadwaj, stated that the Delhi government should also provide counselling to the victims through its women and child welfare department and the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW). It stated that the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students had filed complaints of sexual harassment and molestation against Atul Johri, a professor of the School of Life Sciences in the premier institute. "This House therefore condemns the lethargic attitude of the Delhi Police in not taking prompt action on the complaints of the students and hence, the students had to resort to protest and gherao of the police station to get their complaints heard and acted upon by the Delhi Police," the resolution that was passed by a voice vote stated. "The House resolves that the Government of Delhi shall extend all possible assistance to the victims, including legal assistance by appointing special public prosecutors, and counselling through its women and child welfare department and DCW," it further stated. During the discussion on the resolution, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia attacked the Centre, alleging that "a conspiracy is being hatched in the country for the last four years to ensure that the youth does not get a better education". He further alleged that during the regime of the BJP-led central government, universities had hogged the limelight due to "wrong reasons" and their ranking had not improved at the world-level.

JNU harassment case: Assembly passes resolution on 'lethargic attitude' of police

Denying earlier reports of class 12 Accountancy paper leak, CBSE said that there has been no leakage of the question paper.

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There has been no leakage of the question paper. All the seals have been found intact at all the exam centres: CBSE
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974196320314511360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&#39;All the seals have been found intact at all the exam centers&#39;, the board added.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/class-12-accountancy-question-paper-leaked-manish-sisodia-orders-inquiry-35904">Class 12 accountancy question paper allegedly leaked; Manish Sisodia orders inquiry</a>

CBSE further clarified that at the local level &quot;some miscreants have tried to play mischief by circulating messages through Whatsapp to disturb the sanctity of examinations.&quot;

However, CBSE had lodged an FIR and decided to take a strict action against such activities.

On Wednesday evening&nbsp;the Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia also tweeted that &#39;&#39;he had received complaints regarding class 12 CBSE accountancy paper leak.&#39;&#39;

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Received complaints about the Class 12 CBSE Accountancy paper being leaked. Have asked officers of Directorate of Education to investigate and lodge a complaint with CBSE. 
Swift action must be taken, so that hard-working students don&#39;t suffer due to negligence of CBSE.
&mdash; Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) <a href="https://twitter.com/msisodia/status/974169816222355456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Following the complaint, Sisodia said that he had ordered an inquiry into the matter

&quot;Asked officers of Directorate of Education to investigate and lodge a complaint with CBSE,&#39;&#39; Sisodia said.

&quot;Swift action must be taken, so that hard-working students don&#39;t suffer due to the negligence of CBSE&quot;, he added.

Sisodia&#39;s statement came after reports of class 12 accountancy question paper allegedly getting leaked on Whatsapp and other social media platform on Thursday.

CBSE committee has also initiated an investigation into the matter.

Though cancellation of the exam was demanded, but no report of exam cancellation or the paper being nullified has yet been officially announced.

&nbsp;

CBSE further clarified that at the local level 'some miscreants have tried to play mischief by circulating messages through Whatsapp to disturb the sanctity of examinations'

Denying earlier reports of class 12 Accountancy paper leak, CBSE said that there has been no leakage of the question paper. There has been no leakage of the question paper. All the seals have been found intact at all the exam centres: CBSE — ANI (@ANI) March 15, 2018 × 'All the seals have been found intact at all the exam centers', the board added. Also read: Class 12 accountancy question paper allegedly leaked; Manish Sisodia orders inquiry CBSE further clarified that at the local level "some miscreants have tried to play mischief by circulating messages through Whatsapp to disturb the sanctity of examinations." However, CBSE had lodged an FIR and decided to take a strict action against such activities. On Wednesday evening the Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia also tweeted that ''he had received complaints regarding class 12 CBSE accountancy paper leak.'' Received complaints about the Class 12 CBSE Accountancy paper being leaked. Have asked officers of Directorate of Education to investigate and lodge a complaint with CBSE. Swift action must be taken, so that hard-working students don't suffer due to negligence of CBSE. — Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) March 15, 2018 × Following the complaint, Sisodia said that he had ordered an inquiry into the matter "Asked officers of Directorate of Education to investigate and lodge a complaint with CBSE,'' Sisodia said. "Swift action must be taken, so that hard-working students don't suffer due to the negligence of CBSE", he added. Sisodia's statement came after reports of class 12 accountancy question paper allegedly getting leaked on Whatsapp and other social media platform on Thursday. CBSE committee has also initiated an investigation into the matter. Though cancellation of the exam was demanded, but no report of exam cancellation or the paper being nullified has yet been officially announced.

CBSE denies paper leak reports, says 'all the seals have been found intact at all the exam centers'

Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia on Thursday said he had received&nbsp;complaints regarding class 12 CBSE accountancy paper leak.

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Received complaints about the Class 12 CBSE Accountancy paper being leaked. Have asked officers of Directorate of Education to investigate and lodge a complaint with CBSE. 
Swift action must be taken, so that hard-working students don&#39;t suffer due to negligence of CBSE.
&mdash; Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) <a href="https://twitter.com/msisodia/status/974169816222355456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Following the complaint, Sisodia ordered an inquiry into the matter

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbse-denies-paper-leak-reports-says-all-the-seals-have-been-found-intact-at-all-the-exam-centers-35912">CBSE denies paper leak reports, says &#39;all the seals have been found intact at all the exam centers&#39;</a>

&quot;Asked officers of Directorate of Education to investigate and lodge a complaint with CBSE,&#39;&#39; Sisodia said.

&quot;Swift action must be taken, so that hard-working students don&#39;t suffer due to the negligence of CBSE&quot;, he added.

Sisodia&#39;s statement came after reports of class 12 accountancy question paper allegedly getting leaked on Whatsapp and social media platform&nbsp;on Thursday.

CBSE committee has also initiated an investigation into the matter.

Though cancellation of the&nbsp;exam was&nbsp;demanded, but no report of exam cancellation or the paper being nullified&nbsp;has yet been officially announced. 
&nbsp;

'Asked officers of Directorate of Education to investigate and lodge a complaint with CBSE,' Sisodia said

Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia on Thursday said he had received complaints regarding class 12 CBSE accountancy paper leak. Received complaints about the Class 12 CBSE Accountancy paper being leaked. Have asked officers of Directorate of Education to investigate and lodge a complaint with CBSE. Swift action must be taken, so that hard-working students don't suffer due to negligence of CBSE. — Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) March 15, 2018 × Following the complaint, Sisodia ordered an inquiry into the matter Also read: CBSE denies paper leak reports, says 'all the seals have been found intact at all the exam centers' "Asked officers of Directorate of Education to investigate and lodge a complaint with CBSE,'' Sisodia said. "Swift action must be taken, so that hard-working students don't suffer due to the negligence of CBSE", he added. Sisodia's statement came after reports of class 12 accountancy question paper allegedly getting leaked on Whatsapp and social media platform on Thursday. CBSE committee has also initiated an investigation into the matter. Though cancellation of the exam was demanded, but no report of exam cancellation or the paper being nullified has yet been officially announced.

Class 12 accountancy question paper allegedly leaked; Manish Sisodia orders inquiry

The CBSE today denied allegations of paper leak of its Class 12 Accountancy examination, asserting that all seals were found intact in the examination centres.

The board also said that it has approached the police against those spreading &quot;false&quot; news.

The development comes after Delhi Deputy Chief Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/class-12-accountancy-question-paper-leaked-manish-sisodia-orders-inquiry-35904" target="_blank">Manish Sisodia tweeted this morning</a> about the complaints received by him in this regard.

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Received complaints about the Class 12 CBSE Accountancy paper being leaked. Have asked officers of Directorate of Education to investigate and lodge a complaint with CBSE. 
Swift action must be taken, so that hard-working students don&#39;t suffer due to negligence of CBSE.
&mdash; Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) <a href="https://twitter.com/msisodia/status/974169816222355456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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CBSE is one of the most reputed organizations. I&#39;m sure they will take swift action and try to find out how the paper reached whatsApp right before the exam. 
 
If a particular center is at fault then let not all the students suffer. <a href="https://t.co/Swy08OQkCn">https://t.co/Swy08OQkCn</a>
&mdash; Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) <a href="https://twitter.com/msisodia/status/974210030525407232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&quot;Received complaints about the Class 12 CBSE Accountancy paper being leaked. Have asked officers of Directorate of Education to investigate and lodge a complaint with CBSE,&quot; he said on Twitter.

&quot;Swift action must be taken so that hard-working students don&#39;t suffer due to negligence of CBSE,&quot; he added.

Sisodia, who is also the education minister, had directed officers of the Directorate of Education (DoE) to lodge a complaint with the CBSE.

A senior CBSE official, however, said, &quot;There has been no leakage of the question paper. All the seals have been found intact at all exam centres. However, at local level, some miscreants may have circulated messages through WhatsApp and other social media platforms to hurt the sanctity of the exam&quot;.

&quot;The board has decided to take strict action against such activities. An FIR is being lodged,&quot; the official said.

Police officials, however, said they have not received any complaint yet.

The matter came to light after Delhi Education Minister Manish Sisodia tweeted that he had received complaints the Class XII accounts exam paper had been leaked

The CBSE today denied allegations of paper leak of its Class 12 Accountancy examination, asserting that all seals were found intact in the examination centres. The board also said that it has approached the police against those spreading "false" news. The development comes after Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia tweeted this morning about the complaints received by him in this regard. Received complaints about the Class 12 CBSE Accountancy paper being leaked. Have asked officers of Directorate of Education to investigate and lodge a complaint with CBSE. Swift action must be taken, so that hard-working students don't suffer due to negligence of CBSE. — Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) March 15, 2018 × CBSE is one of the most reputed organizations. I'm sure they will take swift action and try to find out how the paper reached whatsApp right before the exam. If a particular center is at fault then let not all the students suffer. https://t.co/Swy08OQkCn — Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) March 15, 2018 × "Received complaints about the Class 12 CBSE Accountancy paper being leaked. Have asked officers of Directorate of Education to investigate and lodge a complaint with CBSE," he said on Twitter. "Swift action must be taken so that hard-working students don't suffer due to negligence of CBSE," he added. Sisodia, who is also the education minister, had directed officers of the Directorate of Education (DoE) to lodge a complaint with the CBSE. A senior CBSE official, however, said, "There has been no leakage of the question paper. All the seals have been found intact at all exam centres. However, at local level, some miscreants may have circulated messages through WhatsApp and other social media platforms to hurt the sanctity of the exam". "The board has decided to take strict action against such activities. An FIR is being lodged," the official said. Police officials, however, said they have not received any complaint yet.

CBSE says paper not leaked, have approached police about 'fake' news

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-forensic-results-out-sridevi-died-of-accidental-drowning-report-34121">Forensic results out, Sridevi died of &#39;accidental drowning&#39;</a>

The official forensic report reveals that veteran Indian actor Sridevi died of accidental drowning in the bathtub on Saturday.

According to the government of Dubai Media office, the Dubai Police has transferred the case to Dubai Public Prosecution, which will carry out regular legal procedures followed in such cases. Following completion of post-mortem analysis, Dubai Police HQ today stated that the death of Indian actress Sridevi occurred due to drowning in her hotel apartment&rsquo;s bathtub following the loss of consciousness.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-issues-lookout-circular-against-diamond-exporter-for-rs-389-cr-obc-loan-fraud-34130">CBI issues lookout notice against diamond exporter Dwarka Das Seth for loan fraud</a>

The Central Bureau of Investigation on Monday issued lookout circulars against all accused in the bank loan scam case involving jeweller Dwarka Das Seth, officials said.&nbsp;

The CBI had registered a case against the Delhi-based diamond jewellery exporter for an alleged bank loan fraud to the tune of Rs 389.85 crore involving the Oriental Bank of Commerce.

It also registered cases against the directors of the firm, Sabhya Seth, Reeta Seth, Krishna Kumar Singh, and Ravi Singh, and another company named the Dwarka Das Seth SEZ Incorporation.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-chief-secretary-assault-case-cm-kejriwal-deputy-sisodia-part-of-conspiracy-says-ias-joint-forum-34112">Delhi Chief Secretary assault: CM Kejriwal, Sisodia part of conspiracy, says IAS joint forum</a>

A joint forum of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Association Monday accused Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia of playing a role in the alleged assault of Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash. 
&nbsp; 
While addressing a media gathering, Pooja Joshi said that instead of apologising for the incident, both Kejriwal and Sisodia are in denial.&nbsp;

The association also demanded a written apology from the chief minister.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/home-ministry-to-reimburse-jk-govt-over-funds-spent-on-border-attack-victims-34125">Home ministry to reimburse J&amp;K govt over funds spent on border attack victims</a>

Indian ministry of home affairs has said it will reimburse all funds spent by the Jammu and Kashmir government which it paid as compensation for damages and losses to the victims of cross-border firing.

In the last two months, there has been a string of cross-border firing in Poonch, Uri, &nbsp;Bandipora and other areas leading to the deaths of several civilians.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-and-russia-should-end-pernicious-security-council-vetoes-un-chief-34109">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-and-russia-should-end-pernicious-security-council-vetoes-un-chief-34109">, China and Russia should end &#39;pernicious&#39; Security Council vetoes: UN chief</a>

UN rights chief Antonio Guterres urged US, China, and Russia to end &quot;pernicious&quot; Security Council vetoes while condemning the &quot;prolific slaughterhouses&quot; in Syria and other conflicts

The UN secretary-general also demanded that a Security Council resolution for a 30-day ceasefire in Syria be &quot;immediately implemented and sustained.&quot;&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Forensic results out, Sridevi died of 'accidental drowning' The official forensic report reveals that veteran Indian actor Sridevi died of accidental drowning in the bathtub on Saturday. According to the government of Dubai Media office, the Dubai Police has transferred the case to Dubai Public Prosecution, which will carry out regular legal procedures followed in such cases. Following completion of post-mortem analysis, Dubai Police HQ today stated that the death of Indian actress Sridevi occurred due to drowning in her hotel apartment’s bathtub following the loss of consciousness. CBI issues lookout notice against diamond exporter Dwarka Das Seth for loan fraud The Central Bureau of Investigation on Monday issued lookout circulars against all accused in the bank loan scam case involving jeweller Dwarka Das Seth, officials said. The CBI had registered a case against the Delhi-based diamond jewellery exporter for an alleged bank loan fraud to the tune of Rs 389.85 crore involving the Oriental Bank of Commerce. It also registered cases against the directors of the firm, Sabhya Seth, Reeta Seth, Krishna Kumar Singh, and Ravi Singh, and another company named the Dwarka Das Seth SEZ Incorporation. Delhi Chief Secretary assault: CM Kejriwal, Sisodia part of conspiracy, says IAS joint forum A joint forum of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Association Monday accused Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia of playing a role in the alleged assault of Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash. While addressing a media gathering, Pooja Joshi said that instead of apologising for the incident, both Kejriwal and Sisodia are in denial. The association also demanded a written apology from the chief minister. Home ministry to reimburse J&K govt over funds spent on border attack victims Indian ministry of home affairs has said it will reimburse all funds spent by the Jammu and Kashmir government which it paid as compensation for damages and losses to the victims of cross-border firing. In the last two months, there has been a string of cross-border firing in Poonch, Uri, Bandipora and other areas leading to the deaths of several civilians. US, China and Russia should end 'pernicious' Security Council vetoes: UN chief UN rights chief Antonio Guterres urged US, China, and Russia to end "pernicious" Security Council vetoes while condemning the "prolific slaughterhouses" in Syria and other conflicts The UN secretary-general also demanded that a Security Council resolution for a 30-day ceasefire in Syria be "immediately implemented and sustained."

WION news brief, February 26, 2018

AAP leader and Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia on Saturday lashed out at Centre and Congress saying that no MLAs were holding any office of profit.&nbsp;

Sisodia described the Election Commission&#39;s recommendation to disqualify 20 AAP lawmakers &quot;unconstitutional&quot;.

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There was no hearing, we were not given a chance to explain our stand. We appeal to the President to hear our view too, MLAs will meet President also: Manish Sisodia,Delhi Deputy Chief Minister <a href="https://t.co/mDPK5CNGlu">pic.twitter.com/mDPK5CNGlu</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/954673684848902144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&ldquo;There was no hearing, we were not given a chance to explain our stand. We appeal to the President to hear our view too, MLAs will meet President also,&rdquo; Manish Sisodia, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister said.&nbsp;

Delhi Deputy CM said that the MLAs of his party, who were recommended by the Election Commission for disqualification, were never given a chance to put forward their view and appealed to the President to hear his party&#39;s view as well.

The deputy chief minister of Delhi was addressing the media a day after Election Commission recommended to President Ram Nath Kovind to disqualify 20 MLAs of his party.

Sisodia was addressing the media a day after EC recommended to President to disqualify 20 MLAs of AAP

AAP leader and Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia on Saturday lashed out at Centre and Congress saying that no MLAs were holding any office of profit. Sisodia described the Election Commission's recommendation to disqualify 20 AAP lawmakers "unconstitutional". There was no hearing, we were not given a chance to explain our stand. We appeal to the President to hear our view too, MLAs will meet President also: Manish Sisodia,Delhi Deputy Chief Minister pic.twitter.com/mDPK5CNGlu — ANI (@ANI) January 20, 2018 × “There was no hearing, we were not given a chance to explain our stand. We appeal to the President to hear our view too, MLAs will meet President also,” Manish Sisodia, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister said. Delhi Deputy CM said that the MLAs of his party, who were recommended by the Election Commission for disqualification, were never given a chance to put forward their view and appealed to the President to hear his party's view as well. The deputy chief minister of Delhi was addressing the media a day after Election Commission recommended to President Ram Nath Kovind to disqualify 20 MLAs of his party.

AAP MLAs disqualification: President should hear our views as well, says Manish Sisodia

Continuing the battle for agreement on<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-plans-home-delivery-of-40-government-services-lg-says-no-27811"> government services to now be available</a> at the doorstep, deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia has rebutted Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal&rsquo;s decision to trun it down.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Sisodia lashed out at Baijal asking whether he is &quot;trying to protect a corrupt system,&quot; calling it a &quot;huge setback&quot; to the government&#39;s efforts to provide good and corruption-free governance.&nbsp;

Sisodia further questioned whether the &#39;selected L-G&#39; should have the powers to pass on decisions of an elected government.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court is yet to announce their verdict on powers of the Delhi government and the L-G.&nbsp;

Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal had turned down the government&#39;s proposal to home deliver 40 government services - which was considered as a &nbsp;&ldquo;progressive step&rdquo;&nbsp;

However, Baijal clarified that he had not turned down the proposal but &quot;advised to reconsider the proposal and suggested an alternate model.&quot;

The government services included caste, birth, and address certificates, licences, and pensions.&nbsp;

Baijal clarified that he had not turned down the proposal but 'advised to reconsider the proposal and suggested an alternate model.'

Continuing the battle for agreement on government services to now be available at the doorstep, deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia has rebutted Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal’s decision to trun it down. On Wednesday, Sisodia lashed out at Baijal asking whether he is "trying to protect a corrupt system," calling it a "huge setback" to the government's efforts to provide good and corruption-free governance. Sisodia further questioned whether the 'selected L-G' should have the powers to pass on decisions of an elected government. The Supreme Court is yet to announce their verdict on powers of the Delhi government and the L-G. Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal had turned down the government's proposal to home deliver 40 government services - which was considered as a “progressive step” However, Baijal clarified that he had not turned down the proposal but "advised to reconsider the proposal and suggested an alternate model." The government services included caste, birth, and address certificates, licences, and pensions.

Manish Sisodia: Are you trying to protect a corrupt system, Anil Baijal?

Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia said Tuesday that Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal had turned down the government&#39;s proposal to home deliver 40 government services.&nbsp;

The government services included caste, birth, and address certificates, licences, and pensions.&nbsp;

Sisodia said the LG had thought the digitisation of the services was enough.&nbsp;

Sisodia however said on Twitter that most of the services had already been digitised, and yet there were &quot;long queues in offices... most people still have to run around government offices with docs (documents)&quot;.&nbsp;

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LG rejects proposal of doorstep delivery of 40 govt services like caste-birth-address certificates, licences, social welfare schemes, pensions, registrations..etc 
 
LG sends it back for reconsideration. LG says digitalization of services enough. No need for doorstep delivery. 1/N
&mdash; Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) <a href="https://twitter.com/msisodia/status/945640419903205381?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Most of these services r already digital. Yet, long queues in offices. Despite digitalization, most people still hv to run around govt offices with docs etc. Under doorstep delivery scheme, a govt rep wud visit ur house on a ph call to collect, certify n upload ur docs.2/N
&mdash; Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) <a href="https://twitter.com/msisodia/status/945641013292318721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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LG has taken decision without knowing field reality. Announcement of doorstep delivery scheme was welcomed by all sections of society. 
 
Huge setback in Del govt&rsquo;s efforts to provide good and corruption free governance.. 3/N
&mdash; Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) <a href="https://twitter.com/msisodia/status/945641203931889664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Should LG have power to express difference of opinion with elected govt on such critical matters of public interest n be able to scuttle such measures? Public hugely suffering because of that... 4/4
&mdash; Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) <a href="https://twitter.com/msisodia/status/945641381145354240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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He added that the &quot;LG has taken decision without knowing field reality.&quot;&nbsp;

And that this was a huge setback to the Delhi government&#39;s efforts to &quot;provide good and corruption free governance&quot;.&nbsp;

Sisodia also wondered whether the LG should have the &quot;power to express difference of opinion with elected govt on such critical matters of public interest n be able to scuttle such measures?&quot;

He said that the public was &quot;hugely suffering because of that&quot;.&nbsp;

&quot;Today I feel sad for people of Delhi,&quot; he added.&nbsp;

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LG says digitisation enough. 
 
Elected govt says digitisation needs to be coupled wid doorstep delivery 
 
LG does not agree 
 
So, the question is - in a democracy, in such a situation, who shud have final say - LG or elected govt?? <a href="https://t.co/o1iNid6sxa">https://t.co/o1iNid6sxa</a>
&mdash; Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/945845187061858304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The government services included caste, birth, and address certificates, licences, and pensions

Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia said Tuesday that Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal had turned down the government's proposal to home deliver 40 government services. The government services included caste, birth, and address certificates, licences, and pensions. Sisodia said the LG had thought the digitisation of the services was enough. Sisodia however said on Twitter that most of the services had already been digitised, and yet there were "long queues in offices... most people still have to run around government offices with docs (documents)". LG rejects proposal of doorstep delivery of 40 govt services like caste-birth-address certificates, licences, social welfare schemes, pensions, registrations..etc LG sends it back for reconsideration. LG says digitalization of services enough. No need for doorstep delivery. 1/N — Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) December 26, 2017 × Most of these services r already digital. Yet, long queues in offices. Despite digitalization, most people still hv to run around govt offices with docs etc. Under doorstep delivery scheme, a govt rep wud visit ur house on a ph call to collect, certify n upload ur docs.2/N — Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) December 26, 2017 × LG has taken decision without knowing field reality. Announcement of doorstep delivery scheme was welcomed by all sections of society. Huge setback in Del govt’s efforts to provide good and corruption free governance.. 3/N — Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) December 26, 2017 × Should LG have power to express difference of opinion with elected govt on such critical matters of public interest n be able to scuttle such measures? Public hugely suffering because of that... 4/4 — Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) December 26, 2017 × He added that the "LG has taken decision without knowing field reality." And that this was a huge setback to the Delhi government's efforts to "provide good and corruption free governance". Sisodia also wondered whether the LG should have the "power to express difference of opinion with elected govt on such critical matters of public interest n be able to scuttle such measures?" He said that the public was "hugely suffering because of that". "Today I feel sad for people of Delhi," he added. LG says digitisation enough. Elected govt says digitisation needs to be coupled wid doorstep delivery LG does not agree So, the question is - in a democracy, in such a situation, who shud have final say - LG or elected govt?? https://t.co/o1iNid6sxa — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) December 27, 2017 ×

Delhi plans home delivery of 40 government services, LG says no

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was not invited to the launch of Delhi Metro&#39;s Magenta Line out of the fear that he might publicly demand a rollback of the fare hike, his deputy Manish Sisodia said today. 
 
He also said that not inviting the chief minister to the inauguration programme at Noida was an &quot;insult&quot; to the people of Delhi. 
 
Sisodia&#39;s observations came minutes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 12.38-km stretch of the Magenta Line, between the Kalkaji Mandir and Botanical Garden metro stations, in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. 
 
&quot;Not calling the Delhi chief minister in an inauguration of a Delhi Metro project is an insult of the people of Delhi. There&#39;s only one reason behind not inviting Kejriwal, the fear that he may urge the prime minister to roll back the fare hike (sic),&quot; the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader tweeted.

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?????? ?? ??????????? ?? ?????? ?????? ?? ??????? ??? ?? ?????? ?????? ?? ???? ?? ????? ??? 
 
?? ?????? ?? ???? ?? ?? ??? ?? - ?????? ?? ?? ?? ???? ???????? ???????????? ?? ?? ???? ?? ??? ?????? ????? ?? ???? ?? ???? ?? ?? ????
&mdash; Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) <a href="https://twitter.com/msisodia/status/945220936784945153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Of the nine stations on the Magenta Line, seven are within the boundaries of Delhi, while the remaining two are in Noida. 
 
Those who had hiked the metro fares were &quot;scared&quot; of the AAP supremo, Sisodia said. 
 
Almost on cue, AAP leaders and volunteers started tweeting with #TakeCreditButReduceFare. 
 
When reporters asked Kejriwal for comments on the issue at a Christmas event in the city, the chief minister evaded a reply, saying the occasion was not right to talk about it. 
However, he retweeted Sisodia&#39;s tweets. 
 
The Kejriwal government has been at loggerheads with the Centre and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) over the recent hike in the metro fares, despite the AAP&#39;s objections.

Manish Sisodia claimed that the reason that PM Modi did not invite the Delhi chief minister to the launch was because of the 'fear that he may urge the prime minister to roll back the fare hike'

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was not invited to the launch of Delhi Metro's Magenta Line out of the fear that he might publicly demand a rollback of the fare hike, his deputy Manish Sisodia said today. He also said that not inviting the chief minister to the inauguration programme at Noida was an "insult" to the people of Delhi. Sisodia's observations came minutes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 12.38-km stretch of the Magenta Line, between the Kalkaji Mandir and Botanical Garden metro stations, in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. "Not calling the Delhi chief minister in an inauguration of a Delhi Metro project is an insult of the people of Delhi. There's only one reason behind not inviting Kejriwal, the fear that he may urge the prime minister to roll back the fare hike (sic)," the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader tweeted. ?????? ?? ??????????? ?? ?????? ?????? ?? ??????? ??? ?? ?????? ?????? ?? ???? ?? ????? ??? ?? ?????? ?? ???? ?? ?? ??? ?? - ?????? ?? ?? ?? ???? ???????? ???????????? ?? ?? ???? ?? ??? ?????? ????? ?? ???? ?? ???? ?? ?? ???? — Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) December 25, 2017 × Of the nine stations on the Magenta Line, seven are within the boundaries of Delhi, while the remaining two are in Noida. Those who had hiked the metro fares were "scared" of the AAP supremo, Sisodia said. Almost on cue, AAP leaders and volunteers started tweeting with #TakeCreditButReduceFare. When reporters asked Kejriwal for comments on the issue at a Christmas event in the city, the chief minister evaded a reply, saying the occasion was not right to talk about it. However, he retweeted Sisodia's tweets. The Kejriwal government has been at loggerheads with the Centre and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) over the recent hike in the metro fares, despite the AAP's objections.

Not inviting Kejriwal to Magenta Line launch insult of Delhi people: Sisodia

Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia said <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-pollution-public-health-emergency-primary-schools-to-remain-closed-today-23699">today that all schools will remain closed </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-pollution-public-health-emergency-primary-schools-to-remain-closed-today-23699">till</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-pollution-public-health-emergency-primary-schools-to-remain-closed-today-23699"> </a>Sunday due to the worsening air quality in the national capital.

Delhi&#39;s deputy CM had said on Tuesday that if<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-wakes-up-to-hazardous-smog-23655"> the pollution worsened then the odd-even scheme</a> for private vehicles will be back in the national capital. He also said construction work in Delhi would be stopped due to high pollution levels in the captial.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Smog?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Smog</a> canopies the national capital; early morning visuals from area around India Gate <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/WDseG2LAjy">pic.twitter.com/WDseG2LAjy</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/928078574979919873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal had earlier asked Sisodia to shut down schools as the pollution levels rose alarmingly in the capital today on Tuesday.

The Indian Medical Association has declared a &quot;public health emergency&quot; and appealed to the government to stop outdoor sports and other such activities in schools to protect the health of children.

Air quality remains &quot;severe&quot; areas like Delhi&#39;s Lodhi Garden. Various areas including Dwarka, India Gate, Dhaula Kuan and RK Puram remained covered in a thick haze.

The Delhi government has issued a health advisory for high-risk people, including children, the elderly, pregnant women and those suffering from asthma and heart ailments.

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Visuals of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Smog?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Smog</a> from area around Faridabad&#39;s Sarai Metro Station. <a href="https://t.co/x4tCoZTmTJ">pic.twitter.com/x4tCoZTmTJ</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/928086486703947776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Delhi's deputy CM had said earlier that if the pollution worsened then the odd-even scheme for private vehicles will be back in the national capital.

Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia said today that all schools will remain closed till Sunday due to the worsening air quality in the national capital. Delhi's deputy CM had said on Tuesday that if the pollution worsened then the odd-even scheme for private vehicles will be back in the national capital. He also said construction work in Delhi would be stopped due to high pollution levels in the captial. #Smog canopies the national capital; early morning visuals from area around India Gate #Delhi pic.twitter.com/WDseG2LAjy — ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2017 × Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal had earlier asked Sisodia to shut down schools as the pollution levels rose alarmingly in the capital today on Tuesday. The Indian Medical Association has declared a "public health emergency" and appealed to the government to stop outdoor sports and other such activities in schools to protect the health of children. Air quality remains "severe" areas like Delhi's Lodhi Garden. Various areas including Dwarka, India Gate, Dhaula Kuan and RK Puram remained covered in a thick haze. The Delhi government has issued a health advisory for high-risk people, including children, the elderly, pregnant women and those suffering from asthma and heart ailments. Visuals of #Smog from area around Faridabad's Sarai Metro Station. pic.twitter.com/x4tCoZTmTJ — ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2017 ×

Pollution levels: All schools to be closed in Delhi till Sunday, says Manish Sisodia

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/mary-kom-wins-gold-her-fifth-in-asian-boxing-championship-23724">Mary Kom wins gold, her fifth, in Asian boxing championship</a>

Five-time world champion M C Mary Kom won her fifth gold medal at the Asian Boxing Championships at Ho Chi Minh.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-want-to-change-the-culture-of-politics-kamal-hassan-23750">WION Exclusive: I want to change the culture of politics: Kamal Haasan</a>

&nbsp;In conversation with WION&#39;s Kartikeya Sharma, Kamal Haasan spoke about his decision to join politics, demonetisation, Hindutva, future of Tamil Nadu and more

&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pollution-levels-all-schools-to-be-closed-in-delhi-till-sunday-says-manish-sisodia-23734">All schools to be closed in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pollution-levels-all-schools-to-be-closed-in-delhi-till-sunday-says-manish-sisodia-23734">Delhi till</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pollution-levels-all-schools-to-be-closed-in-delhi-till-sunday-says-manish-sisodia-23734"> Sunday, says Manish Sisodia</a>

Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia said today that all schools will remain closed till Sunday due to the worsening air quality in the national capital.

&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-xi-watch-chinese-opera-in-beijing-23755">Watch: Trump, Xi watch Chinese opera in Beijing</a>

With lavish pageantry and an uncharacteristic personal flourish, Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday rolled out a red carpet welcome for US President Donald Trump at the Forbidden City.

&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bengaluru-beats-san-francisco-to-emerge-on-top-in-best-digital-environment-survey-23749">Bengaluru beats San Francisco to emerge on top in &#39;best digital environment&#39; survey</a>

Bangalore, Silicon Valley of India, now known as Bengaluru has emerged as the best host among 45 cities of the world for digital hosting of businesses.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday rolled out a red carpet welcome for US President Donald Trump at the Forbidden City.

Mary Kom wins gold, her fifth, in Asian boxing championship Five-time world champion M C Mary Kom won her fifth gold medal at the Asian Boxing Championships at Ho Chi Minh. WION Exclusive: I want to change the culture of politics: Kamal Haasan In conversation with WION's Kartikeya Sharma, Kamal Haasan spoke about his decision to join politics, demonetisation, Hindutva, future of Tamil Nadu and more All schools to be closed in Delhi till Sunday, says Manish Sisodia Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia said today that all schools will remain closed till Sunday due to the worsening air quality in the national capital. Watch: Trump, Xi watch Chinese opera in Beijing With lavish pageantry and an uncharacteristic personal flourish, Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday rolled out a red carpet welcome for US President Donald Trump at the Forbidden City. Bengaluru beats San Francisco to emerge on top in 'best digital environment' survey Bangalore, Silicon Valley of India, now known as Bengaluru has emerged as the best host among 45 cities of the world for digital hosting of businesses.

WION evening news brief, November 8, 2017

The Delhi government has taken umbrage to the decision of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-metro-ride-to-be-costiler-from-tuesday-21191">Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to hike fares in the Indian capital</a>. Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia said today (October 10) that the move by the Public Sector Company -- in which the centre has a stake -- had intentionally been done to benefit private taxi companies.

The decision to hike fares from October 10 was taken by the &nbsp;Delhi Metro Fare Fixation Committee.

The leader of Delhi&#39;s ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) alleged that the central government had been &quot;sold by the private companies.&quot;

&quot;The fare has intentionally been increased to benefit private taxi companies... so that people opt for private taxis. The Board could defer the rule. Earlier also this has happened,&quot; Manish Sisodia said, adding, &quot;The Central govt is sold by the private companies.&quot;

Manish Sisodia also said that the metro was running on profits and that he was sure that there was a &quot;scam&quot;.

&quot;I am sure that the metro is running on profits. The entire world&rsquo;s metros are running on profits because the property leased is utilised by the metro not by the corrupt leaders through bribes. I am sure there is a scam,&quot; the deputy chief minister said.

The revised fare structure will be: up to 2 km -- Rs 10, 2 to 5 km -- Rs 20, 5 to 12 km -- Rs 30, 12 to 21 km -- Rs 40, 21 to 32 km -- Rs 50 and for journeys beyond 32 km -- Rs 60.

Metro fares were last revised in May when the minimum tariff was raised from Rs 8 to Rs 10 and the maximum fare from Rs 30 to Rs 50.&nbsp;

Delhi's deputy chief minister alleged that the central government had been 'sold by the private companies'

The Delhi government has taken umbrage to the decision of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to hike fares in the Indian capital. Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia said today (October 10) that the move by the Public Sector Company -- in which the centre has a stake -- had intentionally been done to benefit private taxi companies. The decision to hike fares from October 10 was taken by the Delhi Metro Fare Fixation Committee. The leader of Delhi's ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) alleged that the central government had been "sold by the private companies." "The fare has intentionally been increased to benefit private taxi companies... so that people opt for private taxis. The Board could defer the rule. Earlier also this has happened," Manish Sisodia said, adding, "The Central govt is sold by the private companies." Manish Sisodia also said that the metro was running on profits and that he was sure that there was a "scam". "I am sure that the metro is running on profits. The entire world’s metros are running on profits because the property leased is utilised by the metro not by the corrupt leaders through bribes. I am sure there is a scam," the deputy chief minister said. The revised fare structure will be: up to 2 km -- Rs 10, 2 to 5 km -- Rs 20, 5 to 12 km -- Rs 30, 12 to 21 km -- Rs 40, 21 to 32 km -- Rs 50 and for journeys beyond 32 km -- Rs 60. Metro fares were last revised in May when the minimum tariff was raised from Rs 8 to Rs 10 and the maximum fare from Rs 30 to Rs 50.

Delhi Metro fares intentionally hiked to benefit private taxi companies: Deputy CM Manish Sisodia

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal is expected to meet Kamal Haasan in Chennai today.&nbsp;

Haasan, in turn, is expected to join politics any day now.&nbsp;

The Indian Express quoted a source close to Kejriwal as saying, &ldquo;Arvind Kejriwal will be travelling to Chennai Thursday to meet Kamal Haasan. While the exact agenda of the meeting can&rsquo;t be revealed, it will be political in nature.&rdquo;&nbsp;

Kejriwal is expected to land in Chennai at 11.30 am.&nbsp;

Haasan is expected to launch his political party by the end of the month with an eye on local body elections expected in November.&nbsp;

The Express quoted an AAP source as saying: &ldquo;Haasan has made it very clear that his stance is against the communal forces operating within the country. Ahead of the local body elections in Tamil Nadu, the two (Kejriwal and Haasan) are likely to have an exchange of notes over the problems faced within the country and how best to tackle them.&rdquo;&nbsp;

The Express also added an AAP source as saying that the meeting is also indicative of Kejriwal&rsquo;s own &ldquo;attempt to increase the scope of his role in the national Opposition space.&rdquo;&nbsp;

Haasan is expected to join politics any day now

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal is expected to meet Kamal Haasan in Chennai today. Haasan, in turn, is expected to join politics any day now. The Indian Express quoted a source close to Kejriwal as saying, “Arvind Kejriwal will be travelling to Chennai Thursday to meet Kamal Haasan. While the exact agenda of the meeting can’t be revealed, it will be political in nature.” Kejriwal is expected to land in Chennai at 11.30 am. Haasan is expected to launch his political party by the end of the month with an eye on local body elections expected in November. The Express quoted an AAP source as saying: “Haasan has made it very clear that his stance is against the communal forces operating within the country. Ahead of the local body elections in Tamil Nadu, the two (Kejriwal and Haasan) are likely to have an exchange of notes over the problems faced within the country and how best to tackle them.” The Express also added an AAP source as saying that the meeting is also indicative of Kejriwal’s own “attempt to increase the scope of his role in the national Opposition space.”

Alliance? Arvind Kejriwal to meet Kamal Haasan today

The CBI on Friday today visited premises of Delhi Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia over a preliminary enquiry against him related to alleged irregularities in the Aam Aadmi Party&#39;s &quot;Talk to AK&quot; campaign.

The investigating agency also clarified that no search or raid was conducted, since as per rules, no search or raid can be conducted under a preliminary enquiry.

The agency had registered the enquiry in January this year on the basis of a complaint filed by the Delhi government&#39;s vigilance department, alleging that the government hired a consultant for promoting a media campaign despite objections by the principal secretary.

The complainant had alleged that a consultant of a well-known public relations company was hired by the Delhi government to promote &quot;Talk to AK&quot; (Talk to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal) campaign and a proposal of Rs 1.5 crore was prepared for this purpose.

The CBI has registered a preliminary enquiry to investigate the allegations and is probing the alleged role of Manish Sisodia and others.&nbsp; 
 
(WION)

CBI visited the Delhi Deputy chief minister's home over an enquiry related to alleged irregularities in the AAP's 'Talk to AK' campaign

The CBI on Friday today visited premises of Delhi Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia over a preliminary enquiry against him related to alleged irregularities in the Aam Aadmi Party's "Talk to AK" campaign. The investigating agency also clarified that no search or raid was conducted, since as per rules, no search or raid can be conducted under a preliminary enquiry. The agency had registered the enquiry in January this year on the basis of a complaint filed by the Delhi government's vigilance department, alleging that the government hired a consultant for promoting a media campaign despite objections by the principal secretary. The complainant had alleged that a consultant of a well-known public relations company was hired by the Delhi government to promote "Talk to AK" (Talk to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal) campaign and a proposal of Rs 1.5 crore was prepared for this purpose. The CBI has registered a preliminary enquiry to investigate the allegations and is probing the alleged role of Manish Sisodia and others. (WION)

No raids on Manish Sisodia's house, only preliminary enquiry, clarifies CBI

The Election Commission formally threw a &quot;challenge&quot; to political parties to prove EVMs used in the recent assembly polls were tampered with after several opposition parties questioned their reliability and demanded going back to the paper ballot system. Several major opposition parties had claimed the faith of people in the machines has eroded.

While announcing the challenge at an all-party meeting convened by the Commission here, Chief Election Commission Nasim Zaidi, however, did not mention any date for the proposed event.

He said parties can try and prove that EVMs can be tampered with even under strict technical and administrative safeguards as applicable during elections.

Reacting to the EC&rsquo;s &lsquo;challenge&rsquo;, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal tweeted: &ldquo;Sad that EC has backed out of hackathon.&rdquo;

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia, who took part in an all-party meet called by the EC for a discussion on the reliability of EVMs, claimed that the devices could be hacked.

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Sad that EC has backed out of hackathon.
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&quot;We welcomed the challenge and requested the EC to allow us to pick up the EVMs used in the recent Assembly elections. We will hack them as we have demonstrated in the Delhi Assembly that such a machine can be tampered with,&quot; he told reporters after the meeting.&nbsp;

Sisodia, however, expressed reservation over the outcome of the &quot;challenge&quot;, saying the EC should rather go for a &quot;hackathon&quot;, which will allow experts and technocrats to point out the &quot;shortcomings&quot; in the EVMs.

&quot;We suggested to the EC that it should conduct a hackathon, which will give an opportunity to the experts to find faults with the machines. A hackathon will enable the poll panel to weed out any shortcoming in the EVMs and make them foolproof,&quot; he said.

Sources in the Commission said AAP&#39;s Manish Sisodia preferred to use the term &#39;hackathon&#39;. But some Commission officials said the challenge cannot be termed as hackathon as no internet or remote access to the EVM was involved. &quot;EC refuses to go for a hackathon. It said we will throw a challenge to prove that EVMs were tampered with in recent polls,&quot; Sisodia tweeted.

An EC official said the challenge will not be restricted to machines used in recent assembly polls. &quot;Other machines will also be available. But since allegations were regarding the elections, the CEC made specific mention,&quot; he said.

This is for the first time that Zaidi or the Commission has gone on record on the proposed challenge.

&quot;Although use of VVPAT (voter verifiable paper audit trail system) with EVMs will ensure total credibility and transparency and put to rest all controversy, the Commission will, after today&#39;s meeting, hold a challenge,&quot; he said.

It will offer an opportunity to political parties to demonstrate that EVM used in recent elections were tampered with or that the machines can be tampered with even under strict technical and administrative safeguards as applicable during elections, Zaidi said.

At the meeting, most of the parties said future elections should be held using EVMs provided they are attached to paper trail machines.

There were, however, some parties whose representatives said their faith in the machines has eroded and the EC should revert to the old ballot paper system.

While BJP, CPI, CPI (M), AIADMK, DMK, NCP and JD(U) clearly supported use of EVMs, provided paper trail machines are attached to it, BSP, AAP, Trinamool Congress said the paper ballot system was better and more transparent.

The Congress was of the view that if EVMs are used there should be transparency at every level so that political parties and voters are separately convinced about the reliability of the machine. It said the Supreme Court has been stressing on more transparency, which necessarily does not mean use of EVMs. It said paper trail machines with all EVMs in future elections was fine.

The BSP and AAP had alleged that the machines used in the recent assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Goa and Punjab were tampered with and favoured the BJP. Later, several other parties had joined the chorus and waned the EC to revert to paper ballots.

Zaidi told parties that their &quot;concerns and apprehensions&quot; regarding EVMs have been taken note of and will be addressed through the &quot;forthcoming challenge&quot; and other measures which the EC will take.

Other electoral reforms such as corporate funding, making bribing of voters a non-bailable offence and disqualifying candidates charge-sheeted by courts for offering bribe to electors also came up for discussion.

Political representatives who attended the meeting said most parties were opposed to the decision that corporate entities would no longer have to name the parties to which they have made a donation. They said it would reduce transparency in funding.

Most of the parties were opposed to the idea of disqualifying candidates charge-sheeted by courts for offering bribe to voters. They felt disqualifying a candidate at charge sheet level was unfair.

They also opposed a proposal to allow EC countermand an election if large-scale use of money power to influence voters comes to light. They said proving use of money power was difficult.

The CEC said the Commission will ensure 100 per cent paper trail coverage in all future elections to the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.

A particular percentage of VVPATs slips to be determined by the EC will be counted. The poll panel will soon evolve a framework in this regard.

VVPAT is a machine which dispenses a slip with the symbol of the party for which a person has voted for. The slip drops in a box which the voter can see but cannot take home.

Zaidi also said the Commission has &quot;no favourites&quot; and it was equidistant from all parties. &quot;You should be convinced that EC has no favourites...we maintain equidistance from all parties and groups. It is our constitutional and moral duty to stand dead centre of the circle drawn around us by 56 political parties (seven national and 49 state recognised parties),&quot; he said.

His remarks come against the backdrop of Delhi Chief Minister and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal reportedly questioning the independence of two Election Commissioners A K Joti and O P Rawat.

Following the allegations, Rawat had recused himself from the cases related to disqualification of AAP MLAs the Commission is hearing.&nbsp;

'Sad that EC has backed out of hackathon,' the Delhi chief minister tweeted

The Election Commission formally threw a "challenge" to political parties to prove EVMs used in the recent assembly polls were tampered with after several opposition parties questioned their reliability and demanded going back to the paper ballot system. Several major opposition parties had claimed the faith of people in the machines has eroded. While announcing the challenge at an all-party meeting convened by the Commission here, Chief Election Commission Nasim Zaidi, however, did not mention any date for the proposed event. He said parties can try and prove that EVMs can be tampered with even under strict technical and administrative safeguards as applicable during elections. Reacting to the EC’s ‘challenge’, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal tweeted: “Sad that EC has backed out of hackathon.” Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia, who took part in an all-party meet called by the EC for a discussion on the reliability of EVMs, claimed that the devices could be hacked. Sad that EC has backed out of hackathon. — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) May 12, 2017 × "We welcomed the challenge and requested the EC to allow us to pick up the EVMs used in the recent Assembly elections. We will hack them as we have demonstrated in the Delhi Assembly that such a machine can be tampered with," he told reporters after the meeting. Sisodia, however, expressed reservation over the outcome of the "challenge", saying the EC should rather go for a "hackathon", which will allow experts and technocrats to point out the "shortcomings" in the EVMs. "We suggested to the EC that it should conduct a hackathon, which will give an opportunity to the experts to find faults with the machines. A hackathon will enable the poll panel to weed out any shortcoming in the EVMs and make them foolproof," he said. Sources in the Commission said AAP's Manish Sisodia preferred to use the term 'hackathon'. But some Commission officials said the challenge cannot be termed as hackathon as no internet or remote access to the EVM was involved. "EC refuses to go for a hackathon. It said we will throw a challenge to prove that EVMs were tampered with in recent polls," Sisodia tweeted. An EC official said the challenge will not be restricted to machines used in recent assembly polls. "Other machines will also be available. But since allegations were regarding the elections, the CEC made specific mention," he said. This is for the first time that Zaidi or the Commission has gone on record on the proposed challenge. "Although use of VVPAT (voter verifiable paper audit trail system) with EVMs will ensure total credibility and transparency and put to rest all controversy, the Commission will, after today's meeting, hold a challenge," he said. It will offer an opportunity to political parties to demonstrate that EVM used in recent elections were tampered with or that the machines can be tampered with even under strict technical and administrative safeguards as applicable during elections, Zaidi said. At the meeting, most of the parties said future elections should be held using EVMs provided they are attached to paper trail machines. There were, however, some parties whose representatives said their faith in the machines has eroded and the EC should revert to the old ballot paper system. While BJP, CPI, CPI (M), AIADMK, DMK, NCP and JD(U) clearly supported use of EVMs, provided paper trail machines are attached to it, BSP, AAP, Trinamool Congress said the paper ballot system was better and more transparent. The Congress was of the view that if EVMs are used there should be transparency at every level so that political parties and voters are separately convinced about the reliability of the machine. It said the Supreme Court has been stressing on more transparency, which necessarily does not mean use of EVMs. It said paper trail machines with all EVMs in future elections was fine. The BSP and AAP had alleged that the machines used in the recent assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Goa and Punjab were tampered with and favoured the BJP. Later, several other parties had joined the chorus and waned the EC to revert to paper ballots. Zaidi told parties that their "concerns and apprehensions" regarding EVMs have been taken note of and will be addressed through the "forthcoming challenge" and other measures which the EC will take. Other electoral reforms such as corporate funding, making bribing of voters a non-bailable offence and disqualifying candidates charge-sheeted by courts for offering bribe to electors also came up for discussion. Political representatives who attended the meeting said most parties were opposed to the decision that corporate entities would no longer have to name the parties to which they have made a donation. They said it would reduce transparency in funding. Most of the parties were opposed to the idea of disqualifying candidates charge-sheeted by courts for offering bribe to voters. They felt disqualifying a candidate at charge sheet level was unfair. They also opposed a proposal to allow EC countermand an election if large-scale use of money power to influence voters comes to light. They said proving use of money power was difficult. The CEC said the Commission will ensure 100 per cent paper trail coverage in all future elections to the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. A particular percentage of VVPATs slips to be determined by the EC will be counted. The poll panel will soon evolve a framework in this regard. VVPAT is a machine which dispenses a slip with the symbol of the party for which a person has voted for. The slip drops in a box which the voter can see but cannot take home. Zaidi also said the Commission has "no favourites" and it was equidistant from all parties. "You should be convinced that EC has no favourites...we maintain equidistance from all parties and groups. It is our constitutional and moral duty to stand dead centre of the circle drawn around us by 56 political parties (seven national and 49 state recognised parties)," he said. His remarks come against the backdrop of Delhi Chief Minister and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal reportedly questioning the independence of two Election Commissioners A K Joti and O P Rawat. Following the allegations, Rawat had recused himself from the cases related to disqualification of AAP MLAs the Commission is hearing.

Playing with words, Kejriwal says EC has backed out of 'hackathon'

Suspended Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Kapil Mishra began his hunger strike Wednesday, and asserted that he would not end his agitation until the party leaders disclose details of the funding for their foreign tours.

&quot;I am sitting on a &#39;Satyagraha&#39; till I get a clarification on details of international travel expenses of some senior AAP leaders. It is not a dharna but a satyagraha. I would like to send out a message to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to put out the details of the foreign tours of his five AAP leaders-Satyendra Jain, Ashish Khetan, Raghav Chaddha, Sanjay Singh and Durgesh Pathak in public domain,&quot; Mishra told the media here.

Dramatically stating that his &#39;death&#39; won&#39;t affect Kejriwal in any matter, he nevertheless pressed on his demand for a clarification and detailed explanation from the AAP supremo.

&quot;I know if I will die, it won&#39;t affect you (Kejriwal). This matter is concerned with the entire nation. You have always said that you don&#39;t have money to even contest election, then from where did they get the money for foreign tours. It will hardly take five minutes to disclose these details. I am waiting for you response,&quot; he added.

He further alleged that he has been getting life threats from an international number.&nbsp;

The AAP MLA yesterday lodged three FIRs against Kejriwal and other party leaders with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with various corruption charges against them.

&quot;I have filed three FIRs with the CBI. The first FIR is in connection with the cash deal between Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain and Kejriwal, while the second one is on how Jain has benefitted close relatives of Arvind Kejriwal in illegal land deals,&quot; Mishra told ANI here after leaving the CBI office.

He had also filed FIR against AAP leaders Satyendar Jain, Ashish Khetan, Raghav Chaddha, Sanjay Singh and Durgesh Pathak for using illegal money for foreign tours.

Mishra also submitted the documents in connection with the corruption charges he levelled against Kejriwal and other party leaders to the CBI.

(ANI)

The minister, sacked from Kejriwal's cabinet, said he wants details of the international travel expenses of certain senior AAP leaders

Suspended Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Kapil Mishra began his hunger strike Wednesday, and asserted that he would not end his agitation until the party leaders disclose details of the funding for their foreign tours. "I am sitting on a 'Satyagraha' till I get a clarification on details of international travel expenses of some senior AAP leaders. It is not a dharna but a satyagraha. I would like to send out a message to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to put out the details of the foreign tours of his five AAP leaders-Satyendra Jain, Ashish Khetan, Raghav Chaddha, Sanjay Singh and Durgesh Pathak in public domain," Mishra told the media here. Dramatically stating that his 'death' won't affect Kejriwal in any matter, he nevertheless pressed on his demand for a clarification and detailed explanation from the AAP supremo. "I know if I will die, it won't affect you (Kejriwal). This matter is concerned with the entire nation. You have always said that you don't have money to even contest election, then from where did they get the money for foreign tours. It will hardly take five minutes to disclose these details. I am waiting for you response," he added. He further alleged that he has been getting life threats from an international number. The AAP MLA yesterday lodged three FIRs against Kejriwal and other party leaders with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with various corruption charges against them. "I have filed three FIRs with the CBI. The first FIR is in connection with the cash deal between Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain and Kejriwal, while the second one is on how Jain has benefitted close relatives of Arvind Kejriwal in illegal land deals," Mishra told ANI here after leaving the CBI office. He had also filed FIR against AAP leaders Satyendar Jain, Ashish Khetan, Raghav Chaddha, Sanjay Singh and Durgesh Pathak for using illegal money for foreign tours. Mishra also submitted the documents in connection with the corruption charges he levelled against Kejriwal and other party leaders to the CBI. (ANI)

Kejriwal vs Kapil: Mishra begins 'satyagraha', says he's getting death threats

Taking a cue from Uttar Pradesh, the Delhi government on Friday decided to cancel public holidays on birth or death anniversary of eminent personalities

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia announced the decision on Twitter and said the AAP government was always open to learning from such &quot;good initiatives&quot; of other states.

&quot;The Delhi government will cancel holidays on birth or death anniversary of eminent personalities. I have issued instruction to the chief secretary in this regard,&quot; he tweeted

Sisodia lauded the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh for cancelling 15 public holidays on birth or death anniversary of eminent personalities

&quot;The Uttar Pradesh government has taken a good initiative in this matter. We should always be ready to learn from other states,&quot; he said

In his written communication to Chief Secretary M M Kutty, Sisodia has directed him to examine such holidays in the Delhi government&#39;s offices and schools and prepare a list of holidays that can be done away with

As per the Delhi government&#39;s notification, dated December 7, 2016, there are around 13 holidays marking birth/death anniversary in 2017

Of these, six are gazetted holidays and seven are restricted. All offices remain closed on a gazetted holiday, whereas the Delhi government&#39;s employees can avail only two restricted holidays in a year

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet had on April 25 decided to cancel 15 public holidays in educational institutions

&quot;Instead, students in schools and colleges would now be taught about the great personalities on these days,&quot; it had said

In a series of his tweets, Sisodia also mentioned the AAP government&#39;s initiatives -- establishment of &quot;mohalla clinics&quot;&nbsp;and the decision to not using red beacon lights -- which are being &quot;praised&quot; across the country

&quot;We have noticed that good practices adopted by the Delhi government in last two years have been, partially or fully, adopted by other state governments as well as central government

&quot;Establishment of &#39;mohalla clinics&#39; in many states in one such example,&quot; he said in the written communication to the chief secretary

Former Secretary-General of United Nations (UN), Kofi Annan, has commended the Delhi government&#39;s flagship Mohalla Clinic project that is aimed at providing free primary healthcare to city residents closer home

Sisodia also said, &quot;Another significant example is the central government&#39;s decision to ban the red beacon lights atop VIP/VVIPs vehicles

&quot;We can say with pride that the Delhi government was the first to ban red beacons atop VIP/VVIP vehicles. No minister has ever used red beacons on his vehicles since this (AAP) government came to power,&quot; he said.

(PTI)

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia announced the decision, saying the AAP government was always open to learning from 'good initiatives'

Taking a cue from Uttar Pradesh, the Delhi government on Friday decided to cancel public holidays on birth or death anniversary of eminent personalities Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia announced the decision on Twitter and said the AAP government was always open to learning from such "good initiatives" of other states. "The Delhi government will cancel holidays on birth or death anniversary of eminent personalities. I have issued instruction to the chief secretary in this regard," he tweeted Sisodia lauded the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh for cancelling 15 public holidays on birth or death anniversary of eminent personalities "The Uttar Pradesh government has taken a good initiative in this matter. We should always be ready to learn from other states," he said In his written communication to Chief Secretary M M Kutty, Sisodia has directed him to examine such holidays in the Delhi government's offices and schools and prepare a list of holidays that can be done away with As per the Delhi government's notification, dated December 7, 2016, there are around 13 holidays marking birth/death anniversary in 2017 Of these, six are gazetted holidays and seven are restricted. All offices remain closed on a gazetted holiday, whereas the Delhi government's employees can avail only two restricted holidays in a year The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet had on April 25 decided to cancel 15 public holidays in educational institutions "Instead, students in schools and colleges would now be taught about the great personalities on these days," it had said In a series of his tweets, Sisodia also mentioned the AAP government's initiatives -- establishment of "mohalla clinics" and the decision to not using red beacon lights -- which are being "praised" across the country "We have noticed that good practices adopted by the Delhi government in last two years have been, partially or fully, adopted by other state governments as well as central government "Establishment of 'mohalla clinics' in many states in one such example," he said in the written communication to the chief secretary Former Secretary-General of United Nations (UN), Kofi Annan, has commended the Delhi government's flagship Mohalla Clinic project that is aimed at providing free primary healthcare to city residents closer home Sisodia also said, "Another significant example is the central government's decision to ban the red beacon lights atop VIP/VVIPs vehicles "We can say with pride that the Delhi government was the first to ban red beacons atop VIP/VVIP vehicles. No minister has ever used red beacons on his vehicles since this (AAP) government came to power," he said. (PTI)

AAP goes the Adityanath way, to cut down on public holidays in Delhi

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