Kejriwal quits

Arvind Kejriwal quit as chief minister of Delhi after 49 turbulent days at the helm, putting the blame for his government’s demise on Mukesh Ambani along with Congress and BJP, whom he accused of colluding to thwart the Aam Aadmi Party’s efforts to get Jan Lokpal Bill approved.
Kejriwal announced his resignation in a rousing address to supporters outside the party’s Hanuman Road office, cheering despite the cold and rainy weather. He called on the Lieutenant Governor to dissolve the assembly and hold fresh polls, effectively launching the Aam Aadmi Party’s campaign for state and national elections. Fresh state polls could be held along with the upcoming general election, in which AAP is looking to make a strong debut. The party will be betting that its resignation over an issue of principle — anti-corruption — will give it a boost, analysts said.
Kejriwal said BJP and Congress united to defeat the anti-corruption legislation because his government had got a first information report registered against Ambani over an excessive increase in gas prices that would lead to windfall profits for Reliance Industries. The company has denied the allegations.
“In the last few days, we have lodged an FIR against Mukesh Ambani,” Kejriwal said.
“This instilled fear in Congress and BJP as both the parties are backed by Ambani. Congress and BJP are celebrating Valentine’s Day together.”
His government had also moved against Oil Minister Veerappa Moily and former CM Sheila Dixit.
Kejriwal said Congress was scared that it would target Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath next.
The bill, which was put to vote on the second of two days that witnessed pandemonium in the house, was defeated 27 to 42. The bill had been tabled in the assembly in defiance of the advice of Lt Governor Najeeb Jung, whom AAP has called a Congress and Reliance stooge. Soon after the bill was defeated, Kejriwal convened a meeting of his ministers.
“The council of ministers met this evening and decided to tender its resignation,” said Kejriwal’s letter to the President that was copied to Jung.
As Delhi enjoys a special status being a Union Territory, it is the President who finally accepts the resignation letter of the CM. In case of other states, the Governor is the final authority.
“The council also recommends dissolution of Delhi Assembly and immediate conduct of elections to the Delhi legislative assembly.” Kejriwal made the point several times over that crony capitalism and corruption lay at the root of what was responsible for the country’s ills. This is also what had led to the government’s defeat, he said. He pointed to what he said was BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi’s extravagant manner of functioning. Kejriwal alleged that Modi’s “expensive cars” and “helicopter rides” were funded by Ambani. Earlier, during his address to the assembly, Kejriwal had said, “This could be our last session. I can even give my life for the country and people, chief ministership is no big deal.” His office said he will soon vacate the official residence.