Delhi gears up: Kejriwal calls for huge protests ahead of Republic Day

New Delhi, Jan 20: Delhi chief minister

on Monday did something none of his predecessors have ever tried - He asked people to join a 10-day protest in Delhi when the nation's Republic day on 26 January is just a few days away.

The call for protests comes in the wake of gangrape of a Danish woman in the city recently and the issues that ensued.

Mr Kejriwal and his ministers have decided to sit on protest for 10 days in Delhi's most protected zone, where restrictions are in place for the Republic Day celebrations on Sunday.

The AAP government has been asking the union government to hand over the control over Delhi police to the state government. Presently, home ministry controls the police. Alleging that the Delhi police is corrupt and inefficient, AAP minister Manish Sisodia had said that the AAP will 'fix' the police once the control if being given to them.

"I couldn't sleep last night. All those who think their daughters, wives are not safe on Delhi streets, come and join us here," Kejriwal said adressing a huge rally near presidency building. "Earlier I thought it would create problems with the Republic Day celebrations. But celebrations are meaningless if we look at the current state of affairs," he said.

"What is the meaning of Republic Day when our women are not safe? We will sit here till justice is delivered," he added, saying he intended to sit on a dharna for 10 days.

The whole area is cordoned off by security forces ahead of the Republic Day parade which involved perfomances by all wings of army and artists from across the country.

Kejriwal's protest is likely to lead to a huge standoff.

Oneindia News