Kejriwal calls off dharna

After Delhi Police decided to send SHOs on leave pending investigations, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal claimed victory and called off dharna.

“We are committed to ensuring security of women in Delhi. We have decided to end our ‘dharna’ after the Lt Governor’s appeal,” Kejriwal said after receiving appeal from Delhi lieutenant governor Najeeb Jung.

“It was for the first time in India that a CM went on a dharna with his cabinet,” Kejriwal said adding “Happy to say that this is a victory for the people of Delhi. Want to congratulate people.”

“SHO of Malviya Nagar police station and in charge of the Paharganj PCR Van sent on leave,” he added.

Kejriwal also expressed his regrets over the clashes between AAP supporters and police near Rail Bhavan in which several party members and two policemen were injured. He also apologized to the people for inconvenience.

“Never wanted metro stations to be shut, we apologise for the inconvenience,” said Kejriwal.

“We will continue to fight for Delhi’s status as a full state. Today’s decision is an important step in that direction,” Kejriwal added.

In wake of the agitation Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh met Presidnet Pranab Mukherjee in the evening to brief him the situation ahead of Republic day.

Earlier in the day Delhi Police issued a deadline to AAP in which it asked AAP to end the protest or change location to Jantar Mantar by Wednesday evening.

 Meanwhile, senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley lashed out at AAP’s dharna. In his twitter

Arun Jaitley wrote, “Only an anarchist unaware of the sacrifices made by the freedom fighters can undermine Dr. Ambedkar ‘s Constitution and the Republic Day.”  

Former IPS officer and prominent team Anna member Kiran Bedi has demanded removal of AAP government from Delhi and imposition of President’s rule.

“Elected Government which practices and promotes anarchy ought to be dismissed by the President of India without further loss of time!” Bedi tweeted.

Former sports minister and Congress spokesperson Ajay Maken had earlier requested Kejriwal to end the agitation.

“Congress appeals to Arvind Kejriwal to withdraw his dharna and allow Republic Day celebrations,” Maken said.

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