Kejriwal likens his 49-day rule to 'Ram Rajya'

New Delhi, Dec 30: AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal today likened his 49-day rule in Delhi to 'Ram Rajya' even as he tried justify his decision to quit as Chief Minister, saying he had made a mistake but it was not a crime.

"Our government slashed electricity tariff and gave 20000 litres of free water to every household. During our tenure, we brought down inflation. But most importantly, we brought down corruption which Congress and BJP could not do in 65 years.

"During our 49-day government, people used to say that Ram Rajya (welfare state) has returned," he claimed while addressing a rally at Vivekandpuri in Sadar Bazar Assembly constituency here.

Kejriwal further claimed that his government had done more work than what the Narendra Modi-led dispensation at the Centre had achieved since coming to power. Highlighting his government's achievements, the former Delhi chief minister tried to justify his decision to resign, saying he had committed a "mistake" not a "crime".

"All was going fine, but I resigned...resigned without asking you people and I know you are angry with me. But you have to understand the reason behind it," he said, as he blamed the Congress for not allowing him to work.

"You have to understand. We have committed a mistake and not a crime. We have not looted the country nor have we done any act of goondaism. A human being does 100 works everyday, of which he may err in 20," he added.

Claiming that he refused a "big car" sent to him after he became chief minister, Kejriwal said he always traveled in his "broken" Blue Wagon R car and never even claimed allowance even for petrol.

Raking up controversies related to Congress president Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra, he lashed out at the BJP for not registering any case against him.

"Before coming to power, the BJP had said it would investigate and register cases against Robert Vadra. But even now when BJP has formed governments in Rajasthan and Haryana, no case has been registered against him.

"Now (Haryana chief Manohar Lal) Khattar sahab says he will not act vindictive. There is an understanding between the two parties," Kejriwal said.

PTI