Congress downplays Kejriwal's referendum bid

The Congress on Friday downplayed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's idea of calling for a referendum on full statehood and asserted that the latter must know that such concepts are alien to the Indian Constitution, while adding that he is a 'Aaropval' (Accuser) who keeps on innovating new excuses and allegations to deflect attention from governance.

Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala told ANI that Kejriwal does everything other than governing Delhi.

"The concept of referendum is alien to our constitutional scheme, Shri. Arvind Kejriwal must know it. Problem is Shri Arvind Kejriwal, since he has become Chief Minister he has done everything expect for governance of Delhi," said Surjewala.

"He is 'Aaropval', everyday a new allegation, everyday a new excuse is innovated by him so as to deflect attention from failure of governance," he added.

Buoyed by Britain's historic decision to leave the European Union, Kejriwal earlier today said a similar referendum will be conducted in Delhi to assess the people's mood over complete statehood in the national capital.

"After UK referendum, Delhi will soon have a referendum on full statehood," Kejriwal tweeted.

The AAP government last month unveiled its draft of the State of Delhi Bill, 2016, proposing the complete handing over of administrative power - including police, law and order and land - to the Delhi government.

The proposed Bill says "Parliament to have exclusively legislative powers and the President, acting through the Governor, executive power for New Delhi.