Kejriwal slams Centre’s ‘interference’

Likens his govt.’s relationship with Centre to India-Pakistan ties

The ongoing tussle between the Centre and the Aam Aadmi Party government took centre stage in the two-hour-long ‘Talk to AK’ on Sunday.

Accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and music director Vishal Dadlani, Mr. Kejriwal started the session by describing the situation in Delhi and explaining his government’s stance on issues over which it is at loggerheads with the Centre. "At present, the Centre and Delhi governments are like India and Pakistan," Mr. Kejriwal said.

When asked if he is playing the victim card, Mr. Kejriwal responded that Delhi is the victim. "Fourteen of our Bills — including the Janlokpal, no detention policy and other important Bills — are pending with the Centre. Our 11 efficient officials were transferred without consulting us. People are suffering because of their [BJP] revenge," Mr. Kejriwal replied to the question.

The Chief Minister said the need for ‘Talk to AK’, which is similar to Prime Minister's ‘Mann Ki Baat’ initiative, arose as he wanted to interact with the

janta (public).

Most of Mr. Kejriwal's answers revolved around the Centre's interference and tactics to 'stop his government from doing good work’.

When asked about free WiFi in Delhi, the Chief Minister said, "Rajendra [Kumar]

ji was looking after it but he was arrested on July 4 on corruption charges. But we are laying a fibre optic cable network in Delhi and it will take two to three years. Meanwhile, we will create a network of hotspots. By December or January it will be operational in east Delhi, provided there is no more interference," he said.