Page 41 - Aap Government

AAP, BJP protests: Security tightened in Central Delhi, police deployed

Security has been stepped-up in Central Delhi with the deployment of additional personnel in view of demonstrations by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the BJP on Friday, police said. While the AAP will stage a protest outside the BJP headquarters over alleged cheating in the Chandigarh mayoral polls, the BJP has said its members will protest near the AAP head office against the "corruption" of the Arvind Kejriwal government. The headquarters of both the parties is on the Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Marg and the distance between them is less than 800 metres. A senior police officer said that appropriate arrangements have been made. "Adequate security arrangements have been made in view of the protests. Additional personnel have been deployed. No one will be allowed to break the law," the officer said. Traffic movement will be hit on the Deen Dayal Upadhayay Marg, and accordingly, diversions will be effected, according to police. Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convener Kejriwal

Delhi govt alleges step-motherly treatment on Rs 1,168 cr Budget allocation

The Union Territory of Delhi was allocated Rs 1,168 crore in the interim budget for 2024-25 on Thursday, the same as in 2023-24, with the AAP government accusing the BJP-led Centre of meting out "step-motherly" treatment to the national capital. The transfer to Delhi from the Union home ministry included Rs 1,168 crore under the revenue head and Rs 0.01 crore under the capital head. In the 2022-23 budget, Delhi was allocated Rs 960 crore. The amount was increased to Rs 1,168.01 crore in 2023-24 and it remains the same for 2024-25. There were no grants in lieu of its share in central taxes and duties for Delhi. It was Rs 325 crore in the 2022-23 budget. The grants in return of Delhi's share in the pool of central taxes and duties were clubbed under the "central assistance to Union Territories" in the budget estimates of 2023-24 and have remained so in the interim budget for 2024-25. The allocation under central assistance to Delhi in the 2024-25 budget estimates was Rs 951 crore li

Delhi Waqf Board case: HC questions maintainability of Amanat's plea

However during the hearing Justice Rekha Palli questioned the maintainability of the plea

Set to be sworn in as RS MP, Maliwal says not scared of questioning govt

As Swati Maliwal becomes the latest AAP Rajya Sabha MP amid opposition leaders' allegations of a witch hunt against them, the former DCW chief said her family is scared about her foray into active politics, but she asserted that she is not scared to question the government or go to the jail for it. In an interview with PTI at her residence, Maliwal, who is set to take oath as MP on Wednesday, said the moment when formally assumes office will be the "most profound" and "important" occasion of her life. "I am very excited. As a first-time MP, I have a huge responsibility. I feel that I have always been an activist, and will continue to remain one. I will raise grassroots issues and I am looking forward to it," she told PTI, a day before she is to take oath. Maliwal said she is proud of what she has accomplished so far from her beginnings as the youngest core committee member of the India Against Corruption' movement to becoming the chief of the Delhi Commission For Women (DCW) and n

BJP's Manoj Sonkar beats AAP-Cong candidate to win post of Chandigarh mayor

BJP candidate Manoj Sonkar on Tuesday defeated AAP's Kuldeep Kumar, who was fielded as part of an alliance with the Congress, to win the post of mayor in the Chandigarh mayoral polls. Sonkar polled 16 votes while Kumar secured 12. Eight votes were declared invalid. Councillors of INDIA bloc parties AAP and Congress protested as soon as the results were announced. From Delhi, AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal accused the BJP of "cheating". The newly elected mayor will hold the elections to the posts of senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor. As part of the alliance, the AAP was contesting for the mayor's post while the Congress has fielded candidates for senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor. The polls, being held following the directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, assume significance with opposition INDIA bloc members Congress and AAP joining hands, even though they are yet to agree on seat-sharing in Punjab. The BJP has 14 councillors in the 35-member Chandigarh Municipal ...

Sanjay Singh created special purpose vehicle in excise policy case: ED

Sanjay Singh is one of the key conspirators in the Delhi Liquor Scam. Sanjay Singh is closely associated with number of accused/suspects in this case

Conspiracy to topple AAP govt, 7 MLAs offered Rs 25 cr, says CM Kejriwal

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Saturday claimed that the BJP has offered Rs 25 crore each to seven of its MLAs in Delhi to quit the party while also threatening to topple the Kejriwal government. The Delhi BJP, however, rubbished the allegation and challenged AAP to name the MLAs and the people who contacted them with the offer. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal posted on 'X' that seven of his party MLAs had been contacted by "them" and warned that the AAP convener would be arrested soon. According to Kejriwal, the callers claimed they were in contact with 21 AAP MLAs. The MLAs were promised Rs 25 crore and a BJP ticket each to contest the elections after the toppling of the Delhi government, the AAP leader charged. Kejriwal added that all the seven AAP MLAs refused to quit the party. He also claimed that attempts were being made to get him arrested in connection with the alleged liquor scam to bring down the AAP government in Delhi. Several conspiracies were hatched in the past

AAP appoints social media coordinator, secretaries ahead of LS polls

The Aam Aadmi Party on Friday appointed it state social media coordinator and 28 district social media secretaries for Delhi, in the run-up to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Ritik Gupta has been appointed as the state social media coordinator, the party said in its X post announcing the office-bearers. "The Party hereby announces the following office bearers for the state of Delhi. Congratulations to all," the party said in a post on X. The AAP has been appointing office-bearers in various capacities in the run-up to the high octane polls.

Vow to protect Constitution, strengthen democracy: Delhi CM Kejriwal

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday on the occasion of Republic Day called on people to take an oath to protect our Constitution. "Best wishes to all the countrymen on the 75th Republic Day. Let us all together take an oath to protect our Constitution and strengthen our great democracy," Kejriwal said in a post on X. India celebrates Republic Day on January 26 as its Constitution came into effect on this day in 1950.

AAP rejects BJP's claims on notices issued to Sisodia in classroom 'scam'

Delhi BJP leaders Wednesday claimed that former AAP ministers Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain have been issued notices by the Lokayukta in an alleged classroom construction scam. However, there was no immediate confirmation from the Lokayukta office regarding the claimed notices. The Aam Aadmi Party also called the BJP leaders' claims "defamatory" and said they were intended to "maliciously tarnish" the "worldwide highly appreciated" Delhi education model and the goodwill of senior leaders. In a statement, the Delhi BJP welcomed the "issuance of notices" to Sisodia and Jain in the alleged classroom scam, a complaint about which was filed by North East Delhi MP Manoj Tiwari. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva said former ministers Sisodia and Jain will soon face trial in this alleged scam. Sisodia, former Deputy CM and education minister in the Kejriwal government, is currently in jail in connection with a case related to alleged irregularities in implementation of Delhi ...

Saurabh Bhardwaj making false statements on Delhi slums: Delhi L-G's office

The LG on his part, after his last visit to the shelters last year, had flagged the lack of basic amenities and hygiene, in them and asked for the same to be rectified

AAP govt inspired by 'Ram Rajya' philosophy, says Delhi CM Kejriwal

The AAP government in Delhi is inspired by the concept of "Ram Rajya" and draws motivation from it in providing various facilities to the people of the national capital, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Sunday. Kejriwal made the remarks at the three-day Ramlila event being organised by the Delhi government's Art, Culture and Languages department. The conclusion of the event, which began on Saturday, will coincide with the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Kejriwal said, "Tomorrow (Monday), there is the 'pran prathistha (consecration)' ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Many people will not be able to attend it despite wanting to. I am happy that the Delhi government has organised this event." Kejriwal said one should seek inspiration from Lord Ram and follow what their parents say and speak the truth. "Lord Ram's administration is considered 'Ram Rajya'. We are inspired by 'Ram Rajya' and try to run the government taking inspiration from it," he added.

Ram temple event Highlights: Nadda gets invite, to visit after Jan 22

As the Ram temple consecration draws closer, Delhi government has announced that it will organise a three-day Ramlila program starting Saturday, January 20

Delhi missing deadline to treat sewage makes Yamuna cleaning goal tough

Having missed the December 2023 deadline to treat all the sewage generated in the city, a crucial step towards cleaning the Yamuna, the Delhi government now strives to achieve the target by March this year, according to a new report prepared by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC). The delay means that cleaning the Yamuna to bathing standards by February 2025, a key promise made by the AAP government, has proven to be more challenging than the government had expected. According to the report presented on January 10 before the High-Level Committee on Yamuna Rejuvenation, set up by the National Green Tribunal, Delhi has increased its sewage treatment capacity by 35 million gallons a day since January 2023. The city generates 792 million gallons a day (MGD) of sewage, only 667 MGD of which can be technically treated by the 37 Sewage Treatment Plants, or STPs, set up in the capital. At present, these STPs utilise only 71 per cent of their installed capacity, treating only 565 M

Ahead of Ram temple consecration, Delhi govt to organise 3-day Ramlila

Ahead of the Ram temple consecration ceremony, the Delhi government on Friday announced it will organise a three-day Ramlila from Saturday. The announcement triggered a slugfest between the AAP and the BJP, with the ruling party claiming that the Centre denied permission to hold the event at the Bharat Mandapam and the opposition party saying the venue is not allotted for religious events. From Saturday, a grand three-day Ramlila event is being organised. The special Ramlila that will go on till January 22 at the Pearey Lal Auditorium near ITO is free for everyone, a Delhi government statement said. The 'Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra' will present the live three-hour Ramlila performance from 4 pm to 7 pm, it said. The conclusion of the event will coincide with the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Thousands of dignitaries from across fields, including political leaders, have been invited to the ceremony. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, however, has said he

AAP holding talks on LS seat from Goa with INDIA bloc partners: Kejriwal

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday indicated that it was keen on contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from Goa, with its national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal saying his party was holding talks on a seat in the coastal state with INDIA bloc constituents. Goa has two Lok Sabha constituencies - North Goa and South Goa. However, Kejriwal did not specify which of the two seats the AAP was eyeing to contest. "AAP is discussing a Goa seat as a part of the INDIA alliance. We will come back to you once something is decided. Whatever discussion that takes place, do vote for INDIA alliance candidate in the Lok Sabha elections," Kejriwal said while addressing a public meeting in Benaulim assembly segment in South Goa. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Maan, Rajya Sabha member Sandeep Pathak, AAP's Goa unit chief Amit Palekar, MLA Venzy Viegas were also present on the occasion. Kejriwal further said that AAP has been doing "kam ki rajneeti" (politics of work). "No on

ED summons 'illegal', BJP wants to stop me from campaigning: Kejriwal

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday said the ED summonses issued to him were "illegal" and part of a political conspiracy to stop him from campaigning for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. He alleged that the entire exercise of serving him summons was being carried out to arrest him before the high-octane polls, expected in April-May. The chief minister said he was issued a summons by the Enforcement Directorate last week for the fourth time, and asked him to appear before the agency on January 18 or January 19. "The BJP is running the ED. They only intend to arrest me so that I cannot campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections," he said. Kejriwal said he had sent his reply to the central agency. "The four notices sent me are illegal in the eyes of the law. Such general, non-specific notices have been quashed in the past by the courts. I have repeatedly written to the ED saying the notices are illegal but they have not replied to me," he told reporters on the sidelines

Why send summons if I am not accused in excise policy case: Kejriwal to ED

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has replied to the ED, asking why summonses were issued to him if he was not an accused in the excise policy-linked money laundering case, the AAP said on Thursday. Kejriwal was issued a summons by the Enforcement Directorate last week for the fourth time and asked to appear before the agency on Thursday. The Aam Aadmi Party alleged that the BJP wants Kejriwal to be arrested so that he cannot campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. "This is being done to stop him from campaigning for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. ED has said that Kejriwal is not an accused, then why were the summons issued to him," the party said. The AAP also said their leaders are not involved in corruption and will never join the BJP.

Delhi Forest dept fails to submit report on CM house, NGT slaps Rs 15K fine

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed a cost of Rs 15,000 on the Delhi forest department for the non-submission of a proper report by a panel formed earlier to find the factual position regarding the alleged violations of green norms at Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence. The NGT also directed the Delhi government and its public works department (PWD) to pay a cost of Rs 10,000 each for not submitting their reports according to the tribunal's earlier directions. The NGT was hearing a petition that alleged the raising of permanent and semi-permanent constructions and the felling of more than 20 trees for developing structures at 6, Flag Staff Road (the chief minister's residence) and 45-47, Rajpur Road (properties adjoining it). In May last year, the tribunal formed a joint committee for ascertaining the factual position. The committee comprised the chief secretary and principal secretary (environment and forest) of Delhi, a nominee of the Delhi Urban Art Commission .

Delhi's Ex Dy CM Manish Sisodia brought to LNJP Hospital for consultation

Incarcerated AAP leader Manish Sisodia was brought to the Delhi government-run LNJP Hospital for consultation for orthopaedic issues on Tuesday, sources said. The former Delhi deputy chief minister is lodged in jail in connection with the excise policy case. "Sisodia was brought to the LNJP today around 11 am. He had some orthopedic issues for which he was brought there for treatment and consultation," a source said.