New Delhi: Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal admitted during a speech at Laxmi Bai Nagar that his government failed to fulfil three major promises made earlier. He assured the gathering that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is working towards addressing these issues.
Kejriwal said, "I could not fulfil three promises, cleaning the Yamuna River, providing clean drinking water 24 hours a day, and upgrading Delhi’s roads to European standards." He also reminded the audience of his 2023 promise to clean the Yamuna and take a dip in its waters before the 2025 Assembly polls. Recently, he inaugurated a 24-hour drinking water supply in Rajendra Nagar and vowed to extend this initiative across Delhi.
Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit, contesting against Kejriwal, criticised him for failing to address pollution in the Yamuna and Delhi's toxic air. Dikshit, son of former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, alleged that the Kejriwal government had neglected setting up sewage treatment plants, worsening the Yamuna's pollution.
He also attributed Delhi’s air pollution to the rising number of vehicles, lack of a strong public transport system, and diminishing green cover. "The number of Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses has decreased from 5,500 in 2013 to around 3,000 now," Dikshit added.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Chennai: After four days of political uncertainty and intense negotiations in Tamil Nadu, actor-politician Vijay is learnt to have secured the numbers required to form the government, sources said.
Supporters gathered outside Vijay’s residence in Chennai on Friday evening, raising slogans in support of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam soon after reports emerged that the party had managed to secure majority support.
Sources said Vijay is expected to meet Tamil Nadu Governor R. V. Arlekar on Friday evening to stake claim to form the government. The meeting is likely to take place around 6 pm.
In its electoral debut in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, TVK won 108 out of the 234 seats, dealing a major blow to the 62-year political dominance of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
However, Governor Arlekar had reportedly made it clear that the party would not be invited to form the government without proving a clear majority. Even after two rounds of discussions on Wednesday and Thursday, the Governor is learnt to have maintained his stand that letters of support from at least 118 MLAs must be submitted in the 234-member Assembly.
Apart from Vijay, TVK had the backing of 107 MLAs. Vijay had contested from Tiruchy (East) and Perambur constituencies and won both seats, meaning he would have to resign from one seat before taking oath. This increased the need for additional support.
Amid the political developments, five MLAs from the Congress party, which reportedly moved away from the DMK-led alliance, extended support to Vijay. Vijay also held discussions with leaders of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Communist Party of India.
The VCK, CPI(M) and CPI had so far been allies of the DMK. At the same time, political discussions intensified in the state over speculation that the DMK could even explore a post-poll understanding with its long-time rival AIADMK to prevent an alternative government from taking shape.
Reports had been circulating since Friday afternoon that the VCK and Left parties were likely to support Vijay. Sources later said that the VCK, CPI(M) and CPI agreed to extend the support of two MLAs each, helping TVK cross the required majority mark.
All eyes are now on the Governor’s next move and the official announcement regarding the formation of the new government in Tamil Nadu.
