AAP wins floor test in Delhi State Assembly

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) passed the floor test on a confidence motion in the Delhi State Assembly here on Thursday.

An emotionally charged, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said in his address to the members of the state assembly that he was not there to ask for a confidence vote for his party, but to find out if anyone was genuinely interested in solving the civic issues and problems prevailing in the national capital.

During his speech, he listed over 17 important issues that his government would be focusing on and appealed the other members of the Delhi state assembly to give their time and attention to them.

First and foremost, he said that the AAP had come to power on the plank of tackling corruption head-on.

"The Aam Aadmi or common man wants honest politics and an end to corruption," said Kejriwal.

"Every corrupt person shall be strictly punished no matter who he is," he said.

"Women security is also important. There are so many rapes in the country everyday, and we do not even get to know," said Kejriwal.

He said that within three to six months sexual crime cases should be solved and justice delivered. Education he said was an equally important area and should be administered seriously.

"No one wants to send their kids to government schools. We need to change that, and make them better, and fight the reign of private schools. We have to stop donation in private schools, and improve conditions in government schools," he said.

He further said that the AAP and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have both objected to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in retail, and so the BJP should not have a problem with it. He also stressed on the importance of providing a decent lifestyle to slum dwellers.

"Everyone needs a decent lifestyle, we have to find a solution to assure all people who stay in "jhuggis" a decent life starting with provision of water and electricity,"

" If two to three lakh people, who have meters, get a relief, it is good isn't it? We all can then plan together about the solution to supply issues. There needs to be a tab on water supply. Why is it that some areas get no water?" he asked.

"There also needs to be an audit of electricity companies, and only after that, the rates will be fixed. All parties will sit together to fix the rate," he said.

"There is money in the government, but they do not use it for what the public needs. Now, the public should get to decide where to use the money. The government says there is no money for something as simple as fixing light bulbs on street lights but pavements are laid and re-laid," he added.

He further said that VIP culture also needed to end.

He also said that his government would work for Delhi to be given full-statehood.