Kejriwal meets President, voices grievances against Centre, Jung

A delegation of Delhi legislators led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday met President Pranab Mukherjee and articulated their grievances against the BJP-led Union government and Delhi Lt Governor Najeeb Jung.

In his submission to the President, Kejriwal accused the Centre's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government of being anti-Dalit and anti-minorities.

"We told the President that ever since the BJP has formed the government at the Centre, there has been a spurt in the incidents of attacks on minorities and Dalits. Atrocities against them are rising," he told mediapersons after the meeting.

Kejriwal also raised with the President the issue of "manhandling" of Aam Aadmi Party Councillor Rakesh Kumar by BJP Councillors during a joint session of the city's three municipal's bodies at Ramlila Maidan on Thursday.

"Rakesh Kumar comes from a Dalit family. How he was attacked at Ramlila Maidan yesterday by BJP councillors has been seen by the whole media present there. This is a very sad incident," Kejriwal said.

"Looks like the BJP hates minorities and Dalits," he said.

The second issue that the delegation raised with the President, Kejriwal said, was that of Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) Najeeb Jung's actions which are "out of his mandate and power".

"A ration shop was cancelled by Food and Civil Supplies officials in Burari on charges of corruption against the shopkeeper as irregularities were found in his books. It was a right step towards fighting corruption.

"But the LG not only restored that ration shop, he ordered vigilance proceedings against the officials who had taken action against the shopkeeper. The LG also asked for FIR lodged against the MLA who had complained against the shopkeeper," he added.

The Chief Minister said that the LG had "no power to restore the ration shop" and acted out of his mandate.

"The President is the highest constitutional authority in this country. So we have requested him to intervene in these issues," Kejriwal said.

--IANS

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