Says want to work with Centre for smooth governance, development
Riding over a massive mandate, Arvind Kejriwal took oath as Chief Minister of Delhi for the third time in a row, becoming the second CM to have done so apart from Sheila Dikshit who had a 15-year uninterrupted run from 1998 to 2013.
Kejriwal took oath of “office and secrecy”, along with six of his Cabinet colleagues, amid the thunderous ovation of his party supporters and people from all walks of life who had gathered at the historic Ram Lila Maidan carrying national flags, AAP flags, Hanuman printed flags, posters and placard chanting, “We love you Kejriwal”.
In his thanksgiving speech, Kejriwal sought to allay apprehensions about his Government’s style of functioning and promised that he will be the CM for all the people of Delhi and there will be no discrimination on political party lines. He said he will work with the same zeal and drive for the welfare of the each and every citizen of Delhi and will be equally receptive to the problems of the BJP and the Congress leaders.
“Some people voted for the AAP, some cast their votes for the BJP and the Congress but the elections are over now and I am Chief Minister to every Delhiites even if s/he does not support my party or belong to some other party.
“Everyone is welcome to my office with their problem and issues and I will meet you, address the issue and will provide a solution to you all. You come from any party, caste, religion, rich, poor, you are my family, I will work for you,” said Kejriwal. “The elections are over and the politics is also over. I forgive all the opponents who made bad remarks on me and whatever they said about me. Now, we all should focus on the development of Delhi. I will work with the Central Government and will go to any point to develop and work to make Delhi a world number one city, he said.
Kejriwal said, “I invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi also but he could not attend the swearing-in ceremony as he is busy with some other important schedule and meeting but I need his blessings on this day for smooth governance of Delhi.” He began his address with, ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’, ‘Inquilab Zinadabad’ and Vande Matram and ended with the patriotic song, ‘Hum Honge Kamyab’ (We shall overcome), the public also repeated the line with him.
“I want to thank each and every one of you. Today, your son has won the CM post for the third time. This win and celebration is not mine, it is yours. I owe this victory to each and every Delhiites, my sisters, mothers, brothers, students, teachers, doctors and every single citizen of this city,” he said.
Calling himself their son, he told the people, “Call your family members in the village and tell them not to worry and not fear for anything because your ‘son’ is back and is going to make Delhi safe.”
“The people of Delhi have created a new history by choosing and electing us. A new politics based on work, welfare, 24-hour electricity, better transport facility, heath, education, woman empowerment and a corruption free governance has born in this Delhi Assembly elections,” Kejriwal said.
Commenting on the Opposition and people who call the AAP Government initiatives a ‘freebies’ scheme, Kejriwal said, “The entire vital things created on this earth are made free by the God. Be it nature, mother’s love, father’s blessing or Shravan’s dedication towards his parents.”
“Thus, how can I charge fees from my daughter and son to study in a school? An ill person is admitted to hospital and is fighting for his life and you want me to charge money to treat him and operate him? It will be a shame on me and my party, if I charge people for their own rights,” he said.
Kejriwal said, “Politicians come and go but it’s you who make this city. But lakhs of “nirmatas” (makers) like you all run Delhi, not the politicians. You effort and hard work make the city feel proud.”
Around 50 people from different professions ranging from students to doctors, woman metro pilots, teachers, auto drivers and others who contributed in the development of the national Capital in the last five years, were invited as “Delhi ke nirmata” and also invited to share the stage with the CM during his swearing-in ceremony as Special Guests.