AAP worst to rule Delhi since 1947: Jaitley

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi describing it as the "worst government since Independence" to rule Delhi and cautioned the people of poll- bound Punjab to be "wary" of the party. "That party's (AAP) example of running the government is before us in Delhi. This example, showing what kind of government they are running, is before the country. Anybody who looks at the rule of Delhi, will come to know the quality of their governance," the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader told reporters here.

He was asked to comment on the Arvind Kejriwal-led party which is eyeing to wrest power in Punjab after 2017 polls.

"If you ask me what are my comments (about AAP), I regard it as worst government (in Delhi) since Independence. the quality of governance which the Union Territory of Delhi is seeing and this should be warning, caution enough for people of Punjab," he added.

Asked as to what explains the "rising popularity" of AAP in Punjab despite its "poor performance" in Delhi, Jaitley said, "I think, that will be reflected in the (Punjab) elections. Let's not underestimate the intelligence of people.

Govt launches drive to combat chikungunya
The Delhi government on Sunday launched a mass awareness drive to motivate people to clear out stagnant water in premises of residential and public buildings, even as the city continued to battle rising cases of chikungunya and dengue.

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes breed in clear water and flower pots, coolers, tyres and bird feeders and other utensils are common places where breeding is found.

As part of the drive, the government asked people to devote at least 30 minutes to check if there were stagnant water in their residential complexes and around it, to prevent mosquito-breeding.

Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain had on Saturday appealed to the people, saying, "There are 42 lakh (4.2 million) households in Delhi, and if all of you cooperate then we can together root out dengue and chikungunya from the city." At least 15 people have died due to chikungunya complication and 18 have succumbed to dengue this season.

About 1,700 cases of chikungunya have been reported in the national capital, while dengue has affected more than 1,100 people.

Kejriwal returns to Delhi after surgery
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday returned to the national capital from Bengaluru after having undergone a throat surgery for persistent cough. He had gone to Bengaluru on September 13 and the surgery took place the next day to correct an anatomical abnormality of his oral-pharyngeal and palatal area.

Before leaving for Delhi, Kejriwal thanked doctors of the hospital where he underwent the surgery.

"Discharged today after surgery. Thank u so much Kiranji, Dr Shetty n Dr Paul. Can't express my gratitude in words (sic)," Kejriwal tweeted.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress have criticised Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia for "being away" from the national capital at a time when Delhi is grappling with the outbreak of dengue and chikungunya.

Sisodia was also scheduled to return on Sunday to Delhi from Finland where he had gone to understand its education system.

Earlier this week, Congress had observed 'Bhagoda Diwas', saying Kejriwal and half of his Cabinet were "absent" from Delhi.