Page 67 - Arvind Kejriwal

Hindu Sena defaces Babar Road signage in central Delhi, demands renaming

Right-wing outfit Hindu Sena on Saturday defaced the signage for Babar Road in Central Delhi, demanding that it should be renamed. Activists of the outfit pasted a poster with Ayodhya Marg written on it. An official of New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) said they are getting the poster removed and will file a police complaint in the matter. Meanwhile, Hindu Sena president Vishnu Gupta said the outfit has been demanding for a long time that the name Babar Road should be changed.

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

Ram temple LIVE: Ram Lalla idol placed in 'Garbha Griha' in Ayodhya

Ayodhya Ram Mandir News Live Updates: Catch all the latest updates on the run-up to the the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony

Haryana AAP leader Ashok Tanwar quits, cites party's 'alignment' with Cong

In a setback to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Haryana, senior leader Ashok Tanwar quit the party on Thursday, expressing displeasure with its alignment with the Congress. In a letter to AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, Tanwar wrote, "In view of the current political scenario and your alignment with the Indian National Congress, my ethics won't allow me to continue as chairman, Election Campaign Committee, Aam Aadmi Party Haryana." "Therefore, kindly accept my resignation from primary membership and all other responsibilities of the Aam Aadmi Party," he added. Tanwar further said that he would continue to work for the betterment of the state of Haryana, "Bharat" and its people. "As a responsible citizen of this country and being into active politics since my student days, I have always believed in our Constitution, the country and its people first," he added. Tanwar's resignation came as another setback to the AAP in Haryana as two of its senior leaders, former minister Nirmal

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.

DTC partners with travel app Tummoc to introduce 'single-journey ticket'

The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has partnered with a travel app for ensuring that commuters in the national capital do not have to visit multiple sites to book bus tickets and cabs by bringing different modes of transport on one platform. The trial for the government's "single-journey ticket" project has commenced and will last for seven days, officials said. "We have started a trial run for the project. DTC has partnered with Tummoc, a travel app, for this. We are introducing digital DTC passes and all-in-ticket. The trial run will go for seven days so that the users can give their feedback. We will also get to know about the technical glitches if there are any and will improve them before we launch it formally," a transport department official said. Delhi Transport minister Kailash Gahlot told PTI that the single-journey ticket will save users the time and energy while booking autos and cabs. "We have tied up with Tummoc to launch single-journey ticket. Under this, the same

Arvind Kejriwal to attend Ram Temple event? Here's what AAP minister said

While the AAP has not stated its official stance on the matter yet, its allies, the Congress and the Trinamool Congress, have decided to skip the event

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.

Water supply to be affected in several areas on Jan 18,19: Delhi Jal Board

Water supply will be affected in several areas in Delhi on January 18 and January 19 due to the installation of a flowmeter and maintenance work at the Sonia Vihar Water Treatment Plant, the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) said on Tuesday. Residents are advised to store sufficient water, and water tankers will be available on request, it said in a notice. "Due to installation of flowmeter in South Delhi rising main at Sonia Vihar WTP and other maintenance works, the water supply in South Delhi main from Sonia Vihar Water Treatment Plant shall remain affected for 16 hours. The water supply will not be available on January 18 from 10 am to morning of January 19," the notice said. The DJB said water supply will be affected in Kallash Nagar, Sarai Kale Khan, Jal Vihar, Lajpat Nagar, Moolchand Hospital, Greater Kailash, Vasant Kunj, Devli, Ambedkar Nagar, Okhla, Kalkaji and Govindpuri. Other areas where water supply will be affected for 16 hours from January 18 are Shyam Nagar Colony, Okhla Sabzi

ED issues fourth summon to Kejriwal in Delhi excise policy case for Jan 18

The Enforcement Directorate has issued summons for the fourth time to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for questioning in the Delhi excise policy-linked money laundering case, official sources said on Saturday. Kejriwal, who is also the national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has been asked to depose before the agency on January 18, they said. The 55-year-old Kejriwal had refused to depose before the ED for the third time on January 3, saying the "non-disclosure and non-response approach" of the agency cannot sustain the test of law, equity or justice and its "obstinacy" is tantamount to assuming the role of judge, jury and executioner. The chief minister was earlier asked to depose on November 2 and December 21 in 2023. It is alleged that the Delhi government's excise policy for 2021-22 to grant licences to liquor traders allowed cartelisation and favoured certain dealers who had allegedly paid bribes for it, a charge repeatedly refuted by the AAP. The policy was subsequent

With no opposition candidates, AAP candidates to sail unopposed in RS

The AAP's Rajya Sabha nominees in Delhi Swati Maliwal, Sanjay Singh and N D Gupta are set to be elected unopposed as no candidate from any other party has filed nomination, officials said on Friday. The six-year term of AAP MPs Singh, N D Gupta and Sushil Kumar Gupta ends on January 27. While the AAP has renominated Singh and N D Gupta for a second term, it nominated Maliwal, former Delhi Commission for Women chief, to replace Sushil Gupta. "The three candidates are set to be elected unopposed since no other candidate has filed nomination. The results will be announced formally later in the day," an official said. The last date for filing nominations was January 9 while the scrutiny of nominations took place on January 10. The last date for the withdrawal of candidature is January 12.

BJP-led central government wants to demolish all slums in Delhi: AAP

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday alleged the BJP-led central government wants to demolish all slums in Delhi. Addressing a press conference, Delhi ministers Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj said slums in the national capital are being demolished "in an inhuman manner" without rehabilitating the affected slum dwellers. Atishi alleged that in a meeting on January 9, the Centre directed land-owning agencies like the Delhi Development Authority and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to clear all slum clusters in the city. In November, a slum cluster between Sundar Nursery and Delhi Public School inhabited by about 1,000 to 1,500 people, most of whom worked as ragpickers, street hawkers, maids and labourers, was demolished following a court's order. The slum dwellers had claimed that they were asked to vacate their houses in two days with no offer from the government for relocation.

CM Kejriwal yet to receive formal invitation for 'pran pratishtha' ceremony

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has not yet received any formal invitation for the 'pran pratishtha' ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22, sources in the AAP said on Wednesday. The chief minister, however, received a letter a few days back informing that he should block his dates and that a formal invite along with details will follow, said a source in the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). "No subsequent formal invite has come yet," he added. However, a top Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) functionary claimed that an "invitation" was sent to Kejriwal a few days back. "I cannot confirm whether it was given to him personally or through post or digitally but he has been invited for the ceremony," he said. The invitation cards for the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya are being hand-delivered to all the guests through representatives of the temple trust and a large number of volunteers, official sources had said earlier. Besides, various representatives of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi

AAP govt responds to ACB raids over supply of alleged 'sub-standard' drugs

The Delhi government added that this should be investigated by a central agency such as the CBI

Delhi govt approves projects worth Rs 245 cr for capital's villages

The Delhi Village Development Board passed 284 new proposals worth Rs 245 crore on Tuesday for roads and drains in the villages of the national capital, Development Minister Gopal Rai said. He said a six-member task force has also been formed to monitor the execution of projects as there were complaints of delay. The minister said 564 development projects worth Rs 759 crore were already approved by the board for the villages. So far, projects worth around Rs 1,000 crore have been passed by the board under this head, he added.

ED files chargesheet in Waqf Board case involving AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan

The Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday filed a charge sheet in a money laundering probe linked to alleged irregularities in the recruitment of staff and leasing of assets of the Delhi Waqf Board during the chairmanship of AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan, official sources said. A total of five entities have been named in the prosecution complaint (charge sheet) that includes three alleged associates of Khan-- Zeeshan Haider, Daud Nasir and Jawed Imam Siddiqui-- who were arrested by the central agency in November 2023, apart from some others, they said. Khan, the 49-year-old legislator who represents the Okhla constituency in the Delhi assembly, has not been named as an accused. The agency, after conducting raids against Khan and some others in October last year, had claimed that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA acquired "huge proceeds of crime" in cash from illegal recruitment of staff in the Delhi Waqf Board and invested these for purchasing immovable assets in the name of his associates. Th