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AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal was sworn in as Delhi's chief minister by Lt Governor Najeeb Jung at the Ramlila Maidan here today along with six ministers.
Tens of thousands of Aam Aadmi Party supporters, who had gathered at the sprawling ground in the heart of the capital since morning, cheered loudly and waved AAP flags as Kejriwal took the oath of office and secrecy.
In his speech, Kejriwal vowed to make Delhi corruption free in the next five years.
"I remember, during Anna (Hazare) agitation we asked for a corruption-free India. Even our opposition agreed that during our 49-day rule, we were able to end corruption in Delhi. Now, we are much more confident. We will make Delhi India's first corruption free state," Kejriwal said to thunderous applause.
He said he wanted a constructive partnership with the central government and pitched for full statehood for the national capital.
"In every poll manifesto, the BJP had promised full statehood to Delhi and now that there is (a) BJP (government) at the centre and a majority AAP government in Delhi, I am hopeful that PM Modi will think about giving Delhi full statehood," Kejriwal said.
"We will work with the central government to make Delhi a top class city. We want constructive partnership with the centre," he added.
Kejriwal asked AAP members not to become "arrogant" after the massive win in the Delhi assembly polls.
"The decision to fight polls across the country after winning 28 seats in the last assembly polls was a result of our arrogance. And we could see the results."
"We should not become arrogant after winning 67 out of 70 sets in the assembly this time," he said.
The chief minister said he could see a little arrogance in some leaders when they said on television that "we will fight polls in other states".
"This is not right. Why did Congress lose? They had become arrogant. The BJP got such a massive mandate in Lok Sabha polls in May, but this time (assembly elections) it lost due to arrogance," he said.
"I have decided I will only be in Delhi for the next five years and fulfill my responsibility," Kejriwal added.
He said his government will also put a stop to "VIP culture".
"We want to stop this VIP culture. Do you like it when a minister is travelling and roads are blocked and traffic jammed for an hour? I came to know in European countries, prime ministers are seen standing at bus stops. We need such type of culture. It will take time. But we will do it," he said.
Kejriwal's close aide Manish Sisodia, who will be the deputy chief minister, was also sworn in along with ministers Satyedra Jain, Gopal Rai, Asim Mohammed Khan, Sandeep Kumar and Jitendra Singh Tomar today.
Kejriwal's close aide Manish Sisodia, who will be the deputy chief minister, was also sworn in along with ministers Satyedra Jain, Gopal Rai, Asim Mohammed Khan, Sandeep Kumar and Jitendra Singh Tomar today.
