Arvind Kejriwal seeks suggestions on full statehood for Delhi, urges BJP, Congress to rise above politics

Arvind Kejriwal showed Congress' manifesto of 2013, which interestingly, also had elaborate promises for delivering full-statehood to Delhi.

New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday said the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has made a draft bill seeking full statehood status for the national capital.

While addressing a press conference, the AAP chief said, “We have uploaded the draft bill on our website.” He requested the Delhiites to come forward with suggestions regarding the draft bill till June 30.

While saying that “We don't want any politics over this matter, it is evident that all political parties agree on this,” Kejriwal said that Bharatiya Janata Party has several times raked up the demand for complete statehood for Delhi.

“BJP leaders Vijay Malhotra, Dr Harshvardhan and Vijay Goel have also advocated for full statehood for Delhi,” the Delhi CM said.

Giving examples of BJP's poll manifestos of 2003, 2008 and 2014, Kejriwal said the party had promised to grant statehood status to the national capital if it is voted to power.

The BJP used to heavily criticise the then Congress regime for not granting Delhi the full statehood status, he said.

In the press conference, the AAP leader showed Congress' manifesto of 2013, which interestingly, also had elaborate promises for delivering full-statehood.

"We must rise above party lines and solve Delhi's problems and this would will happen through dialogue,” the Delhi CM asserted.

Kejriwal has been pushing for full statehood for Delhi -- one of the poll promises of his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) -- as he says it will help him implement his plans for the national capital in a better way.