Return ACB to us as corruption is rising in Delhi: CM Kejriwal

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday sought the return of the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) to the AAP government, saying corruption was rising in the Capital.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday sought the return of the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) to the AAP government, saying corruption was rising in the Capital.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal during the Delhi assembly Budget session at Delhi Vidhansabha in New Delhi on Wednesday. (Sonu Mehta/ HT Photo)

Addressing the Delhi assembly, the Aam Aadmi Party leader also called for “cooperative federalism” in the city and sought the central government’s help to run the capital better.

“We need cooperative federalism for Delhi,” he said, listing specific demands including the return to his government of the ACB which was taken away from the AAP government last year.

He said corruption and bribery were again showing a rise in Delhi.

Kejriwal also urged Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung to either return or approve the 16 or so bills pending with him.

“If they cannot be approved, please return them to us,” he said.

The chief minister also sought the central government’s help to take control of land held by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) so that the AAP government can build hospitals in the city.

Kejriwal’s speech was welcomed by loud thumping of desks by AAP legislators. Even the three BJP members backed his plea for a better understanding with the central government.

The AAP and central governments have been locked in a bitter feud over issues of governance ever since Kejriwal led his party to a sweeping win in February last year.