This Article is From Jan 09, 2014

Delhi: Arvind Kejriwal announces anti-corruption helpline

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP has projected itself as an anti-corruption crusader.

New Delhi: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday announced a helpline that he said will help the common man combat corruption in Delhi.

Addressing a press conference in his office complex, the 45-year-old leader gave a number - (011) 27357169 - that people can now use to report corrupt practices by any wing of the state government.

"This announcement makes every Delhi citizen an anti-corruption inspector," Mr Kejriwal said. (Highlights of Arvind Kejriwal's press conference)

"The purpose is to create fear in the minds of every corrupt individual," the Chief Minister said.

The helpline, to be operational from today, will be open from 8 am to 10 pm everyday, Mr Kejriwal announced. "We are in the process of acquiring a four-digit helpline number which is easier to remember," he said.

Corruption was the Aam Aadmi Party's biggest plank in the run-up to the Delhi Assembly elections. A dedicated helpline against graft was one of the priorities in the party's manifesto.

The AAP was formed in late 2012 after a two-year-long nationwide movement against corruption led by Mr Kejriwal's former mentor and Gandhian activist Anna Hazare.

The rookie party stunned the ruling Congress and the BJP in Delhi Assembly elections last month, winning 28 of the 70 seats and forming the government with outside support from the Congress.

The AAP now plans to convert growing public anger over corruption into votes in the national elections, due by May.
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