Will probe anyone guilty of graft, even if it is Sheila Dikshit, says Kejriwal

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the party’s two day National Executive meet, Kejriwal said, “We will not spare anybody involved in corruption. There is no question of compromising on it. I swear on my own life that even if it is (former CM) Sheila Dikshit or any other minister, leaders of the Congress, BJP or my own party (members), nobody will be spared. The BJP’s Harsh Vardhan has asked me to to take action against Sheila Dikshit. I told him to give me proof and I would initiate action.”

However, the chief minister admitted that it would take time to set up a proper anti-corruption mechanism in Delhi.

“We are overhauling the state Vigilance department, which was made non-existent by the previous government. Of the 30 inspectors, only 11 are posted. There are vacancies at every level. We are trying to strengthen the department and identify the honest officers. Cases raised by the Anti-corruption Department or the State Vigilance Commission were never taken up and were brushed under the carpet,” Kejriwal claimed.

When questioned on his earlier claim that he had evidence of corruption against the Delhi government, Kejriwal said, “In November 2010, I had prepared a 370-page report on CWG scam. It contains evidence on corrupt practices during the Games. It doesn’t mention any names. The report was based on newspaper reports. We are working towards launching an anti-corruption helpline, and will work towards swift action against any complaints received.”

In a floor test in the Delhi Assembly on Thursday, Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party only came through after eight Congress MLAs supported the party.

The AAP, with 28 seats, formed the government after the BJP failed to secure a majority in Delhi despite being the single largest party with 32 seats.

Object hurled at Birla’s car, MLA unhurt

Women and Child Development Minister Rakhi Birla was reportedly attacked on Sunday evening while she was returning from an event in Mangolpuri. Police said an object hit the Aam Aadmi Party leader’s car, but she escaped unhurt.
According to police, the incident took place around 6 pm when Birla was leaving a temple in Mangolpuri. Based on eyewitness accounts, police claimed that an object was hurled at her Wagon R, which left its windshield partially damaged.

When the incident took place, police said, Birla had just got into her car. Speaking to Newsline, she said, “I was in my constituency to visit a temple. While returning, an object hit my car’s windshield. I don’t know what the object was, nor did I see where it came from.”

She said she had filed a complaint at Mangolpuri police station.

Joint CP (Northern Range) R S Krishnia said, “We have received a complaint and are registering an FIR.”
Police once again stressed on the importance of security for ministers.  Commissioner of Police (Security) J K Sharma said, “A professional knows how to react when an untoward incident takes place. We will urge them to take the security,” Sharma said.

However, AAP leaders did not seem to budge on the issue. “It was an unfortunate incident and police should look into it. But our stance on security will not change,” a leader said.

Meanwhile, police said a teenager who was playing gilli-danda in the area claimed it was his stick that had hit Birla’s car accidentally.