Arvind Kejriwal resigns as Delhi CM – As it happened

Arvind Kejriwal tabled Jan Lokpal Bill in Delhi Assembly on Friday.

Zee Media Bureau/Biplob Ghosal/Sushmita Dutta 10:00 pm: Lt Guv to send report to Centre on Saturday Delhi Lt Governor Najeeb Jung is expected to give his report to the Centre on Saturday on the follow up action in the wake of resignation of the Aam Aadmi Party Government. Sources said he would give his report on the situation to the President through the Union Home Ministry for final decision on whether to bring the national capital under a spell of central rule or dissolve the House for holding elections along with Lok Sabha polls as recommended by the outgoing cabinet. The Lt Governor will send a "factual report" along with resignation of the Government and the Cabinet`s recommendation. 9:30: BJP ready for fresh assembly poll in Delhi After Arvind Kejriwal recommended dissolution of Delhi assembly and holding of fresh elections" to Lt Governor Najeeb Jung, BJP said it would seek a fresh mandate rather than form an alternative government. "I had said this on December 8 (after Delhi assembly election results) that we do not have the number. We are even ready if election is held next week," BJP leader and Leader of Opposition in Legislative Assembly Harsh Vardhan said. In Delhi assembly elections, BJP won 31 seats while its ally Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) won 1 in the 70-member House to emerge as the single largest party. 9:05 pm: Congress, BJP criticise Arvind Kejriwal for quitting CM`s post Taking on AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal over his resignation as Delhi CM, Congress leader Ajay Maken said, “It is sad that Kejriwal played politics over Jan Lokpal Bill.” BJP leader Vijay Goel also reacted on this issue saying, “This was all scripted. Delhi Governance was used for their (AAP) political ambitions.” Taking a dig at AAP, BJP leader MA Naqvi said, “Jhooti Jhooti baatein kari, aur phir bhaag liye.” Also Read: Congress, BJP term Arvind Kejriwal`s resignation as `political drama` 9:00 pm: Arvind Kejriwal recommends dissolution of Delhi Assembly to President through a letter to LG, he also seeks an immediate re-elections in the national capital. 8:45: It`s unfortunate that Jan Lokpal could not be passed and that Arvind Kejriwal resigned, says anti-graft crusader Anna Hazare. 8:40: Arvind Kejriwal on his way to submit his resignation to LG Najeeb Jung. 8:30: Arvind Kejriwal addressing party workers after quitting “Today Jan Lokpal Bill was not allowed to be introduced, BJP & Congress united to oppose it,” says Arvind Kejriwal. He adds, “Just because we had registered an FIR against Mukesh Ambani, both BJP and Congress joined hands against us.” Taking on Bharatiya Janata Party`s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, Kejriwal said, “Mukesh Ambani said Congress is his `shop`, he is also close to Narendra Modi. From where does Modi get so much money for his rallies.” Further recommending for fresh polls in the national capital, the AAP chief said, “Delhi Assembly should be dissolved and re-elections should take place.” "The BJP and the Congress did not reduce corruption even after 60 years. We reduced it in just 45 days," he added. Meanwhile AAP supporters chanted, “Sheila Dikshit lost, now its Narendra Modi`s turn.” Also Read: Arvind Kejriwal recommends dissolution of Delhi Assembly, fresh polls 8: 25 pm: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal leaves Delhi secretariat after holding last cabinet meeting. 7:50 pm: Arvind Kejriwal resigns After the big showdown in Delhi Assembly on the Jan Lokpal Bill, Arvind Kejriwal is reportedly at Delhi secretariat now, writing his resignation letter to LG Najeeb Jung. Delhi CM will address party workers at 41 Hanuman Road, Delhi. 7:20 pm: AAP`s meeting likely to begin Hundreds of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supporters have reached the party office in central Delhi to attend a meeting called by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. "Kejriwal and other senior party leaders will attend the meeting after the (assembly) session. We will discuss the next course of action," party leader Yogendra Yadav said. He also said a message has been conveyed to party volunteers to reach the party office to attend the meeting. 7:00 pm: BJP supports Jan Lokpal bill: Harsh Vardhan Accusing Arvind Kejriwal of speaking untruths, BJP leader Harsh Vardhan said his party was fully in support of the Jan Lokpal bill. Addressing the press after the Delhi assembly was adjourned sine die, the Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief said: "Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal should stop making false and baseless claims." He said the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) should practice transparent governance. "After two hours when you hear him, he will speak lies and will say that the BJP is opposed to the Jan Lokpal Bill... I want to say on record to the people of Delhi and the country that the BJP MLAs are in support of it," he said. 6: 45 pm: Congress, reacts to Kejriwal`s claims, says it has not brought down the government. "We always supported AAP for bringing financial Bill. Even for Jan Lokpal Bill, we voted for LG`s stand. We wanted to abide by the Constitution," Arvinder Singh Lovely said. 6:30 pm: Arvind Kejriwal addresses the Delhi Assembly Addressing the Assembly after the Jan Lokpal Bill could not be introduced, Kejriwal says, "I am sorry if I have hurt anyone." He adds, "This could be our last Assembly session. Willing to quit CM`s post thousand times for Jan Lokpal Bill." "BJP and Congress did not allow introduction of Jan Lokpal bill because of FIR against Mukesh Ambani," says Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. 6:20 pm: Can`t rule out Arvind Kejriwal`s resignation, will weigh all options, says AAP`s Yogendra Yadav 6:15 pm: Emergency meet called at AAP headquarters. Arvind Kejriwal is likely to address all party members at 41 Hanuman Road at 8 pm today. He may announce his resignation. 6:10 pm: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal will decide the future course of action over the Jan Lokpal Bill, says AAP. 6:05 pm: Jan Lokpal Bill not introduced Jan Lokpal Bill not introduced as Opposition blocks the introduction of the Bill. 42 MLAs voted against introduction of the Bill in the Delhi Assembly. 5:00 pm: Jan Lokpal Bill not introduced in Delhi Assembly: Speaker MS Dhir Jan Lokpal will not be introduced, says the Speaker. 27 members were in favour of the Bill while 42 were against it. Delhi Lt Governor Najeeb Jung had said the Delhi assembly not to consider the Jan Lokpal bill as he has not okayed it but the AAP said it was determined to go ahead with the bill. "Since the bill is not approved by me, it may not be considered for discussion," Speaker MS Dhir said while reading out from the letter sent to assembly by Jung. 4:61 pm: Voting on the introduction of the Bill on in the Delhi Assembly. 4:55 pm: Congress leader Arvinder Singh Lovely opposes introduction of the Bill Congress leader Arvinder Singh Lovely also opposed introduction of the Bill saying it was against laid down procedures. "Bill has to be introduced through voting not through the permission of the Speaker. Whenever a Bill is introduced in the Assembly, it is not discussed on the same day in the Assembly. Members need time to go through the Bill. Especially when there is an advice by Lt Governor, members need to undergo Bill`s provisions. If you continue with this (discussion), it would be biggest disrespect to the House. It is against the House proceedings. We pray to you," Singh said. 4:55 pm: Such kind of behaviour will not be tolerated: Harsh Vardhan After the House resumed, BJP leader Harsh Vardhan read out LG`s letter over Jan Lokpal Bill. Further he asks the Speaker not to allow violation of constitutional procedures. Addressing the Delhi Assembly, Vardhan says, “You do not have powers to introduce this Bill. This Assembly will not accept such behaviour at any cost. If violation continues then as per constitutional provisions, any other Speaker can be asked to lead the `Chair`.” 4:15 pm: Speaker has diminished dignity of his post: Cong leader Criticising Speaker MS Dhir for allowing tabling of Jan Lokpal Bill, Congress leader Arvinder Singh Lovely said that an Assembly Speaker should be following the rule book. Another Congress leader Hasan Ahmed said that the Speaker has diminished the dignity of his post. 4:05 pm: Discussion on introduction of Bill will be held: Kejriwal Minutes after tabling the Jan Lokpal Bill in Delhi Assembly Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that discussion on the introduction of the Bill will be held. Speaker has given his nod for discussion on the ombudsman bill. Also Read: `Congress will back constitutionally passed Jan Lokpal bill` 4:00 pm: House adjourned for 20 minutes As Kejriwal introduced the Jan Lokpal Bill, both Congress and BJP MLAs jumped into the well and said it is unconstitutional on part of the Speaker to allow tabling of the bill. Speaker then adjourned the House. 3:50 pm: Arvind Kejriwal tables Jan Lokpal Bill Amidst uproar, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tabled Jan Lokpal Bill. The CM seeked debate or voting on Jan Lokpal Bill after tabling it. 3:45 pm: No voting needed on Lt Governor`s letter: Sisodia Amidst uproar by BJP and Congress MlAs, Delhi Education Minister Manish Sisodia said that there is no need for voting on Najeeb Jung`s letter on Jan Lokpal Bill. The AAP leader, however said if voting has to take place than a discussion on the letter should precede that. Kejrwal said Lt Governor has not written in his letter that voting should be conducted. 3:30 pm: Speaker reads out Lt Governor`s letter Speaker MS Dhir reads out Lt Governor Najeeb Jung`s letter on Jan Lokpal Bill. BJP, Congress MLAs demand voting to be conducted over the letter. Also Read: Delhi LG says Jan Lokpal Bill not approved by him 3:25 pm: House resumes 3:10 pm: Speaker calls all party meet After ruckus in Assembly, Delhi Speaker MS Dhir called for an all party meet to clarify on Lt Governor`s letter on Jan Lokpal Bill addressed to him. The Speaker had refused to present Jung`s letter in the Assembly when demanded by the BJP leaders. 3:00 pm: Amidst uproar by Congress and BJP MLAs House was adjourned for 20 minutes. 2:55 pm: A BJP leader demanded that Lt Governor Najeeb Jung`s letter to the Speaker tabled in the Assembly. He further said that disobeying Lt Governor`s order is contempt of the Assembly. 2:42 pm: Bring Jan Lokpal Bill in a constitutional way: JD(U) MLA JD(U) leader Shoiab Iqbal demanded Jan Lokpal Bill to be tabled in a constitutional manner. Iqbal said he would not tolerate the way Lt Governor Najeeb Jung has been disrespected by the AAP government. 2:35 pm: Cong demands discussion on Somanth Bharti Congress leader Haroon Yusuf targeted Law Minsiter Somnath Bharti and said that a discussion should be held on the behaviour of the AAP MLA. Congress is not against the Jan Lokpal Bill, but the way it is being tabled, Yusuf said. 2:30 pm: Somnath Bharti should be sacked, says Vardhan Addressing the Delhi Assembly, BJP leader Dr Harsh Vardhan said last night we were given a circular regarding the Assembly proceedings, but the Jan Lokpal Bill was not there in the circular. The BJP leader targetted Law Minister Somnath Bharti and said he should be sacked. These days there is a trend going on which is showcasing that all the politicians irrespective of political parties are corrupt and are against Jan Lokpal Bill, Dr Harsh Vardhan said. We are thousand times more committed than AAP govt for the passage of Jan Lokpal Bill, the BJP leader said. Harsh Vardhan said nobody should spread lies that BJP is against anti-corruption bill. 2:15 pm: Arvind Kejriwal family members - mother, father, wife and son also inside Assembly session. 2:10 pm: Delhi BJP MLA Ram Singh Bidhuri serves notice for suspension of Delhi Assembly proceedings for Sant Ravidas` birthday. He said that Kejriwal has disrespected Ravidas. 1:55 pm: Union Minster hits out at Kejriwal Hitting out at Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, Union Minster V Narayanasamy said that the AAP leader should behave like a chief minister and follow the law of the country. 1:45 pm: Jan Lokpal Bill is constitutional: Sisodia Briefing the reporters, AAP leader Manish Sisodia said Jan Lokpal Bill is constitutional and we will try to pass the bill. When asked whether Arvind Kejriwal would resign if the bill is not passed, the Delhi Minister said that the 1:30 pm: Congress continues to support AAP: Lovely Addresing a press conference, Congress leader Arvinder Singh Lovely said that the party backs Jan Lokpal Bill, but the way AAP government is trying to table it is unconstitutional and we don`t support such a move. The Congress continues to support the AAP, he further said. Kejriwal government has broken all the records of speaking lie, Lovely said. Lovely rejected Kejriwal`s allegations of Congress, BJP being together. He said both the national parties have different ideologies. 1:25 pm: No support to Jan Lokpal Bill: Haroon Yusuf Congress leader Haroon Yusuf said that the way Arvind Kejriwal government is trying to table the ombudsman bill is unconstitutional and his party will not support it. 1:15 pm: Kejriwal meets Lt Governor Hours after LT Governor asked the Delhi Assembly Speaker not to allow tabling of the bill, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia met Najeeb Jung. The details of the meeting are awaited. At present both the AAP leaders are meeting Delhi Speaker MS Dhir. 1:10 pm: Plea filed in HC against Jan Lokpal Bill A petition was filed in Delhi High Court on Friday against tabling of Jan Lokpal Bill. The PIL contends that Lt Governor`s clearance is necessary before the bill is tabled in Delhi Assembly. 12:55 pm: Congress, BJP hit out at AAP BJP leader Dr Harsh Vardhan said that his party will not support the Jan Lokapl Bill as its being tabled in an unconstitutional manner. He alleged that the AAP government is making mockery of the law. A Congress leader speaking exclusively to Zee Media said that Arvind Kejriwal is not serious about the bill and doesn`t want it to get passed. He further alleged that the Delhi CM is misleading the public. The Congress leader asserted that his party will support Lt Governor`s stand on the ombudsman bill and said that the way the AAP govt is trying to table the bill is unconstitutional. Earlier, Lt Governor Najeeb Jung said that the ombudsman bill cannot be tabled as it has not been approved by him. 11:30 am: `Jan Lokpal Bill can`t be tabled without my approval` As Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal remains adamant on his stand of resigning if the Jan Lokpal Bill is not passed in the ongoing Assembly session, Lt Governor Najeeb Jung on Friday said that the ombudsman bill cannot be tabled as it has not been approved by him. Jung today wrote to Delhi Speaker MS Dhir asking him not to allow tabling of the bill as it is yet to get his clearance. In a letter to Assembly Speaker MS Dhir, the LG said the AAP government did not go through the laid down procedures in getting approval for tabling of the bill and as custodian of the House he should consider these aspects while dealing with the issue. Top sources said crux of Jung`s letter was that the Speaker should not allow tabling of the bill. Jung`s statement comes after Kejriwal said that his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government will introduce the Jan Lokpal Bill in Delhi Assembly on Friday. 11:05 am: Rift emerges within AAP A rift appears to have emerged within AAP as party leader Ashok Agarwal wants the party to follow legal framework while introducing the bill. The Delhi government had yesterday failed to table the bill due to repeated disruptions by the Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs. 10:45 am: Bill is unconstitutional, says JD(U) MLA JD(U) MLA Shoaib Iqbal, whose support is critical for passage of the bill, was today quoted as saying that the bill is unconstitutional. 10: 15 am: No compromise on Jan Lokpal Bill, says Sisodia Meanwhile, Delhi Minister and close confidante of Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia today said there will be no compromise on Jan Lokpal Bill. His tweet said:

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— Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) February 14, 2014

Later, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also endorsed and re-tweeted the minister`s tweet. Kejriwal has threatened that if the bill is not passed he would resign. Kejriwal threatens to resign Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is adamant on passing the ombudsman bill and has even threatened to resign if bill is not cleared, said that the government did not introduce the bill on Thursday as it wanted the copy of the bill to be seen by all the Lawmakers. “We will table the Jan Lokpal Bill on Friday,” the AAP leader said. The Law Ministry has made it clear that it was necessary to take the Centre`s consent before introducing the Bill in the Assembly The first day of the session specially convened to pass the anti-graft legislation saw a stormy start with BJP and Congress repeatedly disrupted the proceedings leading to the house`s adjournment by Speaker MS Dhir. The Congress - which props up the government from outside - has opposed the bill since the AAP government did not get the central government`s nod before it is introduced in the Assembly, an IANS report said. Kejriwal said his government was ready to extend the session for the passage of the bill. He however, retreated his stand of quitting if the bill gets stuck. "We are ready to extend the session. We are not here to save the government. We will table the bill tomorrow. If they allow then it is okay, otherwise I will resign," he told reporters. The AAP leader also accused the Congress and the BJP of joining hands to paralyse the Delhi Assembly so that the Jan Lokpal Bill is not passed. "This is the first time in India both the Congress and the BJP had such a synchronized setting,” Kejriwal said. "I don`t think this had happened in the history of India in any legislative assembly where BJP and Congress came together. They have exposed themselves," PTI quoted Kejriwal as saying. "The way they were charging at me, I thought they were coming to beat me up. They broke the mike in front of my seat and tore papers. They also broke speaker`s two mikes. Similar things happened in the Parliament today. I was thinking is it democracy. This is anything but democracy," he said. The AAP government is desperate to pass the anti-graft bill during the four-day session which started on Thursday, but it seems to be daunting task for it as it has only 28 MLAs in the 70 member Delhi Assembly. To its dilemma, the AAP had recently expelled its rebel MLA Vinod Kumar Binny. The BJP has 31, Congress, which has lent outside support to AAP has 8 MLAs and the Janata Dal-United legislator and an independent virtually having one each. All these have come together citing one reason or the other to block the clearance of the bill.