BJP spreading communal violence, says Kejriwal

AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal Tuesday accused the BJP of spreading communal violence in Delhi and said his party would bring together eminent religious leaders to combat this.

On a day the cabinet decided to recommend the dissolution of the Delhi assembly, the former chief minister also insisted that the AAP would win a majority in the upcoming assembly election in the capital.

Without referring to the recent communal flare up in Trilokpuri in east Delhi, Kejriwal said the BJP was spreading communal violence in different parts of the city.

"We will set up 'Aman Samitis' (Peace Groups) and gather eminent leaders from various religions to stop communal violence."

Kejriwal said the Aam Aadmi Party was confident of winning more than 45 of the 70 seats in Delhi -- up from the 28 it bagged in 2013, leading to a hung house then.

After the BJP with 31 seats refused to form a government, the AAP took power with the backing of the Congress. But the government collapsed in 49 days, leading to political uncertainty.

Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung Monday recommended fresh elections after all three parties favoured a new ballot.

Kejriwal said the AAP would seek votes on three key issues: its achievements during its 49-day rule, a corruption-free Delhi and making the capital one of the world's best cities.

Asked if he was in a position to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the AAP leader said the voters of Delhi would have to choose between him (Kejriwal) and BJP leader Jagdish Mukhi for the chief minister's post.

"Would Modi resign as prime minister and contest for the chief ministership of Delhi?"

He attacked the BJP for delaying the elections and accused it of using "unfair means" to install a BJP government in Delhi. The capital has been under President's rule since Feb 17.

"The BJP has lost with the announcement of fresh elections... Delhi has won. The BJP had been continuously trying to buy AAP MLAs with black money."

Kejriwal added: "We will win in Delhi no matter how hard the BJP tries."