Kejriwal threatens to "go to any extent" over Jan Lokpal bill

New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday threatened to "go to any extent" over his pet anti-graft legislation, the Jan Lokpal Bill, which is opposed both by the Congress, whose continued support is essential for the survival of his government, as well as the BJP.

"Corruption is extremely important issue and I will go to any extent," he said. Asked if could resign, the Aam Aadmi Party leader responded by affirming that he could go to any extent over the "huge" issue of corruption."That (resignation) you interpret," he added. Asserting that both Congress and BJP will never allow passage of the bill, Kejriwal said since the government has decided to probe the alleged corruption in Commonwealth Games projects, Congress` "pitch" has become more "shrill" in this regard and also there are allegations against BJP, which is in power in MCD for past seven years. Last week, Delhi Cabinet cleared the draft of the much talked-about Jan Lokpal bill which provides for covering all public servants--from chief minister to Group D employees -- and seeks life term as maximum punishment for those found guilty of corruption. Bringing the Jan Lokpal bill to contain corruption was a key election promise made to the voters by Aam Aadmi Party. "They (Congress) realise that if there is a strong Lokpal then many of these people will get into trouble. For seven years BJP is in power in MCD and they may also get into trouble. If the bill is passed then all these CWG cases will go to Lokpal," the 45-year-old Chief Minister said. Kejriwal also said, "We have written to Home Minister to withdraw the (2002) order which directs Delhi government to take approval of the ministry before passage of any bill in the Assembly" and asserted that the city government cannot follow these "unconstitutional rules." "That was only an order and which is completely against the Constitution. How can an order by the Home Ministry curtail law making powers of Delhi Assembly. It is a very very serious issue...I have taken oath of the Constitution and not Home Ministry`s order. I will uphold the Constitution." He added that "When I saw the order after becoming Chief Minister, I was completely flabbergasted. How can they do that. Then I told my officials to show me the history. I have a list of 13 legislations in which they did not take any approval. The legislations are held back in Home Ministry for six-seven years. If this is the case, then how can the assembly make law. Sheila Dikshit used to pass law before taking Centre`s approval."