With the draft of the Full-Statehood Bill already in the public domain for suggestions, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said that there will be a referendum on the full statehood for Delhi soon.
Taking a cue from Britain, which held a referendum on Thursday whether to remain or exit the European Union, Mr. Kejriwal said that Delhi will go through the same. Expressing his views he tweeted, "After UK referendum, delhi will soon have a referendum on full statehood (sic)."
The demand of full statehood to Delhi was AAP's poll plank and with the Centre and Delhi government constantly at loggerheads for control over Delhi Police, Land and transfer or posting of officials, Mr. Kejriwal in the past had also sought legal opinion on holding a referendum in the city.
When in 2015 Greece held a referendum, Mr Kejriwal had asked officials to explore the option for Delhi.
Meanwhile, Delhi Congress president Ajay Maken said his party was opposed to the idea of holding a referendum, which he termed a “dangerous” one.
“The Constitution does not provide for holding any kind of referendum. Mr. Kejriwal is treading on a dangerous path. Other States will also start demanding referendums, including a plebiscite in Kashmir. Mr. Kejriwal is deliberately raising this issue; it is anti-national,” said Mr. Maken.
