Session at Ramlila a security risk: Delhi Police to CM

Senior police officers said they would also inform the Lieutenant Governor about the issue.

Thousands had gathered at Ramlila Maidan on December 28 to watch Kejriwal take oath as Delhi’s Chief Minister. (Photo: Express archive)

The Delhi Police and the Aam Aadmi Party may be at loggerheads yet again with the Chief Minister Arving Kejriwal announcing that the Jan Lokpal Bill would be passed in February at the Ramlila Maidan in Central Delhi.

Kejriwal had made this announcement in his Republic Day address at Chhatrasal stadium on the eve of the Republic Day. He said a special session would be held at the ground to pass the Bill.

However, senior Delhi Police officers said they had written to Kejriwal, around 10-15 days ago, expressing concern over holding a special session in Ramlila Maidan. Police said it feared a breakdown in the law-and-order situation, apart from causing traffic problems, if it was held at Ramlila Maidan.

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Kejriwal, however, made no mention of this letter in his speech. Police sources said they would again write to Kejriwal after Republic Day reminding him of the previous letter.

Senior police officers said they would also inform the Lieutenant Governor about the issue. It was Lt-Governor Najeeb Jung who had convinced Kejriwal to end his dharna near Rail Bhawan on Tuesday by working out a compromise formula.

Nagender Sharma, media advisor to Kejriwal, said, “As of now, our plan remains unchanged. The session will be held at the Ramlila Maidan. Let police discuss security issues with the government.”

There is palpable tension between the Chief Minister and the Delhi Police. The New Delhi district police is also investigating an FIR registered against Kejriwal for making inflammatory speeches and asking people to defy Section 144 and assemble near Rail Bhawan for his dharna.

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