Kejriwal to fast from March 1 for statehood for Delhi

The politics for full statehood for Delhi is back in focus with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday announcing that he will go on indefinite hunger strike from March 1 to press for it.

Addressing the budget session of Delhi Assembly, Kejriwal sharpened the attack on Modi government, complaining that due to lack of power, the AAP government is not able to perform its duty. He said, “Even if we have to sacrifice our lives for people, it is immaterial.”

Lacing its message with hyperboles and emotion, AAP sought to bring momentum to its campaign just three months before Lok Sabha polls saying people of Delhi were facing "injustice and humiliation" since independence because the government elected by them lacked the power to work for them.

He ruled that the Centre has control over Delhi Police, municipal corporations and DDA, which is why people "were suffering due to the high crime rate, insanitation and lack of development".

The announcement came nine days after the Supreme Court on February 14 delivered a differing judgement on Delhi government versus Lieutenant Governor with regard to control of services, making it clear that the Delhi government has limited power under the Constitution.

Kejriwal instantly dubbed the verdict “against the Constitution and democracy and an injustice to people of Delhi". He also announced a campaign for full statehood, evoking a sharp reaction from the BJP, which accused Kejriwal of "declaring war on the Supreme Court" after the “big defeat” verdict.

In 2018 too, Kejriwal had held an unprecedented more than week-long sit-in protest outside the residence of Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil, alleging there is “de facto President's Rule in Delhi”. BJP had dismissed it as drama.

Unending tussle

While the political war of words goes on, the primary reason for the unending tussle ever since AAP formed a government in Delhi with BJP in power at Centre, is their adversarial relationship, something not seen in the past to this level.

Delhi is not a full-fledged state and, as per Schedule I of the Constitution continues to be a Union Territory, albeit with additional powers, after certain amendments gave it a somewhat special status among UTs.