This refers to the editorial, “Don't raise petty issues” (January 23). It is hard to believe that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is not aware of the nitty-gritty of obtaining full statehood for Delhi. But Mr Kejriwal, who has not been able to deliver on his election promises effectively, is in a hurry to achieve something before the lok Sabha election.
Even on the issues his law Minister Somnath Bharti has raised, he could have provided a 24x7 helpline or suggested ‘sting' operations. Either he has over-estimated that his followers would support him in his recently concluded dharna, like they during the 2011 anti-corruption movement, or he has under-estimated the Union Government's strength. This episode is a setback for the Aam Aadmi Party's ambition to play a leading role at the Centre. It is also a setback for the Congress’s strategy to thwart the BJP's rise to power at the Centre. The Congress has been, after all, using the AAP to checkmate the BJP, since it cannot do that on its own.