Kejriwal hints at going national with his development model

NEW DELHI:  Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday underscored his politics of development after taking the oath of office and secrecy, at the sprawling Ramlila Maidan. “Ours is the politics of better schools, hospitals, cheap power supply 24×7, water, roads, women’s security and making the administration corruption-free. This new brand of politics is already being talked about all over the country. It will help create the India of the 21st century,” Kejriwal said, hinting at plans to go national with his development model.

Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has already announced its intention to fight every local body poll across the nation. It also hopes to wrest control of the Municipal Corporation in Delhi from the BJP. Party leaders from across the country gathered at CM’s residence in the evening to deliberate upon expanding the AAP’s national footprint. Waving the Tricolour and carrying placards, thousands gathered at the iconic ground to catch a glimpse of Kejriwal, who overcame incumbency and scored a landslide in the Assembly polls last week, picking up 62 seats in the 70-member House.

In a contrast to the swearing-in ceremony in 2015, Kejriwal this time spoke about taking everyone along for the development of Delhi and forgiving the Opposition for its sharp language in the run up to the elections. “I forgive all my opponents for their remarks against me. I want to take everyone along. I will not work alone but with all of you,” said Kejriwal. “I have never discriminated against them in the last five years. I have worked for everybody, and never discriminated against people who did not vote for me.”
It was an AAP-only show as no Opposition biggies were invited.

However, BJP MLA from Rohini Vijendra Gupta was present. According to sources, the AAP did not want to turn it into an Opposition unity event, since it would have made the messaging combative instead of the positive tone the party intended to have. That strategy was reflected in Kejriwal seeking PM Narendra Modi’s blessings for smooth governance. The PM reciprocated by extending his best wishes for a fruitful tenure. Kejriwal thanked Modi, adding: “We must now work together towards making Delhi a city of pride for all Indians.”