Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party releases manifesto for Delhi polls
Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) today released its manifesto for the Delhi election, vowing to rid the capital of corruption and protect honest officers.
The party, which is debuting in the December 4 election in Delhi, released its poll promises in the middle of a huge controversy over allegations by Anna Hazare, a man that Mr Kejriwal had called his 'guru'. In videos, Anna, 76, is heard voicing concern that funds collected in his name are being misused by the Aam Aadmi Party.
The AAP manifesto promises to bring in the Lokpal, or an anti-corruption ombudsman, within 15 days if it is voted into power. The demand for a Lokpal was at the centre of Anna Hazare and Arvind Kejriwal's campaign in 2011. Two years later, Anna Hazare distanced himself from Mr Kejriwal, saying he did not support his move to form a political party.
"All public servants will be under the Lokpal. Cases against Ministers, MLAs and Secretaries would be completed in six months to one year," said AAP member Yogendra Yadav. "The Lokpal will have financial, administrative and investigative independence. It can initiate investigation and prosecution against corrupt public servants. Those found guilty of corruption would be sacked, sent to jail and their property confiscated."
The AAP claimed to have taken feedback from across Delhi before preparing its manifesto.
The party also promised to reduce residents' power bills by half by ordering audits and checking allegedly inflated billing.
After the fatal gang-rape of a young student on a moving bus last December, which highlighted the lack of enforcement and proper safety for women, Mr Kejriwal's party has also promised a special security force to protect every neighbourhood of Delhi.