CM raising issue of statehood to cover up his govt's failures: Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari

The BJP is not against full statehood for Delhi, but Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been raising the issue to "cover up" the failures of his government, Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari said Tuesday.

Tiwari said the BJP's manifesto is for the entire country, but there are many things that will benefit the people of Delhi.

By 2022, the BJP will provide houses to lakhs of homeless people of Delhi, he said.

The manifesto makes provision for supplying drinking water for all the families of Delhi through water taps under its programme 'Nal se Jal' by 2024.

He said provision has also been made for pension to small traders of Delhi after 60 years of age so that they lead a respectable life in old age.

"The GST process is being simplified and the small traders registered under GST will get accident insurance of Rs 10 lakh. There is also a scheme of Traders Credit Card for the registered traders just like the Kisan Credit Card. National Traders Commission will also be formed for the benefit of lakhs of traders of Delhi," Tiwari said.

When asked about Kejriwal's demand for full statehood, he said, "In 2015, Kejriwal had come to power on a majority of issues, but statehood was not among them. Those issues have taken a backseat now and since they have failed to deliver on those promises, they are now raising the issue of full statehood to cover up their shortcomings. There is no need for full statehood to Delhi for ensuring supply of drinking water, health benefits, clean air, good schools, electricity, cleaning Yamuna etc."