Kejriwal continues sit-in protest, accuses BJP

New Delhi, June 16: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his three Cabinet colleagues continued their sit-in protest at the Lt Governor’s (LG) office on Saturday with the AAP preparing to launch a “march” to the Prime Minister’s residence on Sunday as the stalemate continued over the six-day long tussle over the IAS officers “strike”. Kejriwal accused the BJP of putting pressure on IAS officers and said their “strike” was being instigated by it. Aam Aadmi Party workers and leaders will march from Mandi House metro station to the Prime Minister’s residence.

AAP spokesperson Pankaj Gupta said: “Delhi is all set to launch a mass protest like the one we did which changed the political picture of Delhi.” He said not only the party workers but the common man of Delhi will also take part in the march at 4 p.m. on Sunday. “We have tried all we can, but they are not ready to listen,” he added. The announcement came after Kejriwal said that IAS officers were under pressure and their “strike” was being instigated by the BJP. He also asked Congress President Rahul Gandhi to clear his stand whether he was with the BJP or the people of Delhi. He also claimed that his government does not enjoy as much power as former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit did.

Accusing the BJP of “instigating” the IAS strike, he said: “BJP is forcing the officers to continue the strike. The party is under pressure as the AAP government in Delhi is working hard. I am here for the people of Delhi and will ensure that things will change.” Kejriwal, along with Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and cabinet ministers Satyendar Jain and Gopal Rai, has been camping in the Raj Niwas — the official accommodation-cum-office of Lt Governor — since Monday evening. Sisodia and Jain have been on indefinite fast for the past four and five days respectively. On the accusation that his strike has paralyzed the governance, he said: “The government is not functioning due to the IAS strike and not due to our sit-in. We are compelled to take this step.” The AAP has been demanding a direction to the IAS officers working in the Delhi administration to end their undeclared strike, action against officers who have “struck work” for four months and approval to his government’s proposal for doorstep delivery of ration to the poor. (IANS)