AAP to launch signature campaign for fresh Delhi polls

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal Sunday said his party will start a door-to-door campaign seeking people's support for holding fresh elections in Delhi, if Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung does not dissolve the assembly within a week.

"We are giving a week's time to the Lt. Governor and BJP government to dissolve Delhi assembly, otherwise the Aaam Aadmi Party will launch a door-to-door signature campaign asking people for fresh elections," Kejriwal said at Jantar Mantar in the heart of the city.

Addressing thousands of people, Kejriwal accused Jung of working under the influence of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

"Lt. Governor is controlled by the BJP government. He works as the BJP wants," Kejriwal said.

The former chief minister also said that the people of Delhi want fresh election but the BJP and the Congress are running away from it.

"AAP's seats will be increasing in the assembly as much as the BJP tries to delay the election," he added.

AAP leader Manish Sisodia said: "We are gathered here to demand re-election (sic) in Delhi. The BJP and the Congress are scared of losing the election."

He said they will continue to come here (Jantar Mantar) till the demands are met.

Two years ago, on the same date from the same place, activist-turned-politician Kejriwal had announced that he will float a party to fight against the corrupt politics in the country following the anti-corruption movement led by Anna Hazare.

Kejriwal was chief minister of Delhi for 49 days at the head of a minority AAP government until he resigned Feb 14 this year.

Other AAP leaders, including the party's four parliamentarians, also participated in the rally.

Despite the sultry weather and heat, thousands of people gathered at Jantar Mantar. Carrying the national tricolour in their hands, they continuously raised slogans in favour of the AAP.

"We have full faith in him (Arvind Kejriwal). He left the chief minister's seat for the people not for personal benefit. This time, we'll again vote for him and bring the AAP back to power," 85-year-old Saroj, who came from R.K. Puram area of south Delhi, told IANS.

"The AAP's support will once again increase ... which was lacking in the last (Lok Sabha) elections," said Anshuman Singh, a chartered accountant from Mayur Vihar in east Delhi.

A few roads in central Delhi were also affected due to the rally. Though the police had made elaborate arrangements, the buses which ferried people to the rally were found parked on the roadside thus blocking free flow of traffic.

Ashoka Road, Janpath Lane, and Kasturba Gandhi Marg in Connaught Place were affected till early evening.