Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia discuss statehood issue with PM Modi

The leaders also invited the PM for the swearing-in ceremony at Ramlila Maidan on February 14. However, Modi is unlikely to attend the function owing to prior engagements on the day.

“Arvind told the Prime Minister that both the Centre and the state government enjoy strong majority, therefore, it is a golden opportunity for both to work together to make Delhi a better city,” Manish Sisodia said.

The 15-minute meeting came two days after Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party registered a comprehensive victory winning 67 seats in the 70-member state assembly. While the BJP’s tally came down from 31 seats in 2013 to just 3 seats this time, the Congress was wiped out from the city’s electoral map. After Kejriwal’s victory was confirmed, Modi had called him to congratulate him and also assure him of Centre’s full support to the Delhi government.

On Wednesday, Kejriwal had got down to business, meeting an array of leaders including Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu and President Pranab Mukherjee. The AAP leader tweeted saying that he was in favour of a constructive relationship with the Centre and that full statehood for Delhi was important for the development and progress of the city.

In their meeting with Naidu, both Kejriwal and Sisodia emphasized upon the need for the control of Delhi Police under the state government. Currently, the Delhi Police falls under the Centre’s jurisdiction. However, sources said that Naidu was non-committal on the issue.

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After the meeting, Sisodia said, “We have discussed four big issues. Firstly, for issues of the poor, such as compensation for them, we will need central government’s help. Secondly, the issue of unauthorised colonies on which the Centre recently passed a resolution. So in order to take it forward, help will be needed from MCD, DDA and the Centre. We also told him that for more schools, colleges, hospitals and parking, a lot of land will be required so whatever land is available with DDA, we have requested for it. And lastly the issue of full statehood. We have been assured that we will get their support.”

(with inputs from PTI)