Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called for a “cordial working arrangement” with Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the welfare of the people of the capital.

“Both the Chief Minister and the Prime Minister reside in Delhi. It is important for the development of Delhi and its residents that both have a working arrangement. I am appealing to the Prime Minister with an open mind that we want to enter into an arrangement with the Centre,” said Kejriwal.

The Chief Minister continued with his maiden Independence Day speech even as heavy rain lashed the Chhatrasal Stadium in north Delhi.

Schoolchildren who were part of the parade got drenched as he asked them to not leave the grounds during the last minutes of his 40-minute speech.

The leader admitted that there were several differences between the Aam Aadmi Party and the BJP-led Centre.

He added it was “healthy” to have differences in a democracy but should not act as a hurdle in governance.

“I have tried to meet Modiji once but could not meet him. I will try again,” he said.
Kejriwal gave a round-up of the “unprecedented” achievements of the AAP government in the last six months, including the lowering of corruption level in the state.

This was possible due to “an honest Chief Minister, ministers and officials”, he said.
The process of giving compensation to the kin of 1984 anti-Sikh riots victims in Delhi an enhanced compensation of Rs 5 lakh would be sped up.

“I appreciate (Home Minister) Rajnath Singh’s cooperation. I would want him to hand over the first compensation cheque,” said Kejriwal.

He highlighted the government’s initiative to clean the polluted Yamuna, efforts in bringing down the price of onions, improving healthcare facilities by setting up the first mohalla clinic and repair of the roads under the Public Works Department.
Jasveer, 26, who was present in the audience said the Chief Minister’s speech read like the party’s “report card of six months”. “I had more expectations from his speech than a mere review of the work done so far.”

Pooja, a first-year student of interior designing, said, “Even though I look at him as a youth leader, I could not connect with his Independence Day speech.”
The Chief Minister’s promise to soon launch the education loan guarantee scheme for higher education struck a chord with the school students.

“In case a student fails to pay back the loan, the government will repay it. The parents do not need to worry.”

He said the government was focusing on the education sector and had so doubled the budget in this sector.

“The government schools will give the best facilities. The schools will be so equipped that even students from lower economic background can dream to be doctors and engineers.”
Nancy, a class 8 student, said, “I feel motivated after his speech.” Her classmate Harshita added, “I do not think funding higher studies will be a problem now.”

As Sameer, 10, broke into a dance with his classmates after the event with Jai Ho playing in the background, he grinned: “I want to join the army.”