This Article is From Aug 25, 2015

'Told PM, Cooperate And We will Make Delhi Sparkle': Arvind Kejriwal

'Told PM, Cooperate And We will Make Delhi Sparkle': Arvind Kejriwal

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is likely to discuss several issues including the relation between the Centre and state government.

New Delhi: Arvind Kejriwal met Prime Minister Narendra Modi today and offered what he believed was a strong reason for cooperation between the Centre and Delhi governments. "I told the PM, we will make Delhi sparkle within two years if you cooperate with us," the Chief Minister said after his meeting.

A fierce power struggle with the Centre was topmost on Mr Kejriwal's agenda when he met with PM Modi today.

Since it took power in February, Mr Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party government has been locked in a fight with Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung - who represents the Centre in Delhi.

"I told the PM, we will fulfil your dreams of Swacch Bharat, Skill India and Digital India. We will do the work and you will earn fame when you go abroad," Mr Kejriwal said.

"We said all you have to do is cooperate with us. Political ideologies should not come in the way," he added.

Asked how PM Modi reacted, Mr Kejriwal said: "He heard us and said we will see."

Sources in the government said that the Chief Minister is also expected to discuss power tussle with Lt Governor Najeeb Jung, land crunch for development projects and transfer and postings of bureaucrats, with the Prime Minister.

During the Budget Session of Delhi Assembly, Mr Kejriwal had said he had sought an appointment to meet PM, but he did not get a chance.

In an open letter in June, Mr Kejriwal had also appealed to PM Modi to take steps to improve Delhi's deteriorating law and order situation or hand over police to the city government.

"Delhi people have voted for us and the rest of the country supported Modi. So please let us run Delhi and you (Modi) run the country. Don't create trouble for us every day through the L-G.

"This is not being a good Prime Minister. Taking revenge for losing Delhi from people and AAP is not right," Mr Kejriwal had told a news channel during an interview.
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