In pics: Arvind Kejriwal's days of controversy as CM

Bangalore, Feb 17: Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) Arvind Kejriwal served as the chief minister of Delhi for 49 days and quit office after his government's pet Jan Lokpal Bill failed to overcome constitutional hurdles. Here is a look at instances when Kejriwal caught the media headlines, more because of controversial reasons.

Controversy 1: SMS poll before taking up power

Arvind Kejriwal's AAP had decided to take an sms poll to decide whether it should take charge in Delhi with the support of the Congress. It was something unprecedented in Indian politics.

Controversy 2: Somnath Bharti, the man who stole the show

Kejriwal's law minister Somnath Bharti, also an IITian, created a major controversy when he confronted the police over ordering them to raid an area in Delhi to nab drug trafficking and flesh trade. Bharti also had other moments of clash with the media and other institutions and was also accused of violating the law and victimising foreign women. But Kejriwal backed him throughout the stint.

Controversy 3: Vinod Kumar Binny targets Arvind Kejriwal

Vinod Kumar Binny, an MLA of the AAP, criticised the party for not fulfilling the poll promises it had made to the people. He was expelled.

Controversy 4: Taking on Delhi Police

Kejriwal, following Bharti's clash with Delhi Police over the raids, accused the police as corrupt and staged a massive dharna in the national capital demanding control over the police. He called off the dharna after a few policemen were sent on leave.

Controversy 5: Rukus at Kejriwal's Janta Darbar

Kejriwal had organised a Janata Darbar to hear people's grievances. But things soon went out of control and Kejriwal had to leave the occasion. He later said that the security was not adequate.

Controversy 6: Jan Lokpal Bill hits a wall

Kejriwal's pet Jan Lokpal Bill faced constitutional objections from various quarters, including the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Najeeb Jung, but he remained adamant and finally decided to quit when the bill couldn't be introduced in the assembly.

OneIndia News