Centre wants to take country towards dictatorship: Kejriwal

Says whatever is happening in Delhi is dangerous

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today made a blistering attack on the Centre, alleging that its notification conferring more powers on the Lt Governor was part of an "experiment" to take the country towards "dictatorship" and asserted that it was ready for a long fight on the issue.

In his address at the Delhi Assembly, Kejriwal lambasted Lt Governor Najeeb Jung who he said was "dancing to the tune" of the Centre and "deliberately" trying to create obstacles for the AAP government.

"Whatever is happening in Delhi is dangerous. This is the Delhi experiment of the BJP-led Centre. One by one, this experiment would be implemented in every non-BJP state. They want to take the country towards dictatorship. I appeal to all non-BJP chief ministers to come together and unite on this issue," he said.

Kejriwal said the notification granting more powers to the LG in appointments of bureaucrats as well as matters relating to police and public order was issued considering "political" calculations as the Centre wanted to defame the AAP government.

"This is not a constitutional issue as BJP president yesterday said. This is a political issue. The Centre is trying to fail the AAP government. But we will continue our fight," he said.

He also alleged that slums across Delhi are being demolished at the instructions of Jung so that people get agitated against the AAP government.

The Chief Minister was speaking on a discussion on a resolution against the May 21 notification issued by the Home Ministry.

He said he is going to write to all chief ministers on the issue.

In the notification, the Centre gave absolute powers to the LG in appointment of bureaucrats while also clarifying that he need not "consult" the chief minister on subjects like police and public order.

The ACB of the Delhi government has also been barred from registering any case against officers and political functionaries of the central government.

However, the Delhi High Court yesterday ruled that the ACB has the authority to probe central government officials, including Delhi Police personnel.