Govt formation: Kejriwal sets some conditions for Congress, BJP

Says he has not sought any time from the Lt Governor for government formation

Giving a new twist to government formation in Delhi, Aam Aadmi Party today set some new conditions for Congress and BJP before it can decide on forming a government, a move seen as attempts to fob off criticism that it was running away from taking responsibility.

Delhi Lt Governor Najeeb Jung, whom AAP Convener Arvind Kejriwal met, has said he will send a report to the President, an indication that he would tell the Centre that government formation will not be possible now.

Earlier, Kejriwal had given to Jung the copies of the letters he had written to Congress President Sonia Gandhi and BJP President Rajnath Singh seeking their views on a list of 18 issues that included ending VIP culture in the capital, audit of electricity companies and removal of MLA local funds scheme.

In a surprise move, Congress had last night extended unconditional support of its eight MLAs to AAP for forming the next government.

Talking to reporters after the meeting, Kejriwal said, he had not sought any time from the Lt Governor for government formation.

He claimed the LG told him he can come back when he has the majority.

However, a press release issued by the LG said, "Leader of AAP Legislative Party Arvind Kejriwal met Lt Governor. Referring to the letter of support received from Congress, Kejriwal said he would be in a position to form a government only after ascertaining the views of people of Delhi. The honourable LG will be submitting a factual report to the honourable President of India".

While the single largest party BJP with 31 MLAs had declined to from the government, the second big party AAP with 28 seats has been saying that it would not take from or give support to Congress and BJP in government formation.