Kejriwal resigns as introduction of Jan Lokpal Bill defeated in Delhi Assembly

New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has resigned on Friday following dramatic scenes in the Delhi Assembly over the introduction of Jan Lokpal Bill.

Defying Lt Governor's advice, the AAP Government on Friday tabled the Jan Lokpal Bill in Delhi Assembly but its introduction was defeated by BJP and Congress MLAs, forcing Kejriwal to consider the option of resignation.

Kejriwal convened the last cabinet meeting of his government at the Delhi secretariat in the night and is addressing his party supporters at the party headquarters in Delhi.

The Delhi Cabinet took the decision to quit and Kejriwal will be meeting the Lt Governor to tender resignation.

Unconfirmed reports also speculated that he might contest the Lok Sabha elections against BJP's PM candidate Narendra Modi.

Speaking at the Assembly amid uproar by opposition earlier, Kejriwal said, "I will consider myself fortunate if I have to sacrifice chief minister's post and my life to eradicate corruption. This appears to be our last session."

"BJP and Congress did not allow introduction of bill because of FIR against Mukesh Ambani," he added. "We may be inexperienced, but we had hoped to learn," the AAP chief said.

Kejriwal expected to announce the decision in an address AAP workers at 8 PM at the party headquarters in Delhi.

Earlier, amidst chaos following opposition demands for voting on the Lt Governor's advice to the Assembly against introduction of the Bill without following constitutional procedures, Arvind Kejriwal tabled the bill.

Trouble broke out immediately as BJP and Congress members opposed the government's move and shouted slogans, saying the government cannot violate the Constitution. They demanded the Bill is not introduced in the House.

Following uproarious scenes, the Speaker M S Dhir said Leave of the House has been sought for introduction of the Bill and a voting of MLAs was carried out in the House.

As many as 27 MLAs favoured introduction of the Bill and 42 opposed it in the 70-member House. "Bill is not being introduced," the Speaker said after the voting.

After that, an appropriation bill seeking to give subsidy of Rs 372 crore to power distribution companies was taken up for discussion.

Earlier in the day, the BJP and Congress MLAs created trouble from the start demanding tabling of the communication of the Lt Governor Najeeb Jung to the Assembly.

After some uproar and short adjournments, the Speaker read out the LG's communication. 

Read on: Ambani brought Cong, BJP together, says Kejriwal

Reading out the contents of the letter, Speaker M S Dhir said under Section 22 (3) of the Government of NCT of Delhi Act 1991, the Jan Lokpal Bill being a Financial Bill is to be send to LG for recommendation.

Also as per Rule 55 (1) of Transaction of Business of Govt of NCT Rules 1993, the LG is required to make a prior reference to the central government before being introduced in the Assembly, the LG said.

"The said Bill has not yet been duly placed before me by the Government of NCT of Delhi.

"As the Jan Lokpal bill is being introduced in the Legislative Assembly without following the procedure... I hereby send the message under Section 9 (2) of the Govt of NCT of Delhi Act, 1991 to the Legislative Assembly, not to consider the Bill unless it is introduced with the recommendations of the Lt Governor," he said.

The Lt Governor said the message may be conveyed to the Assembly before the Bill is introduced during the current Session.

Uproarious scenes continued after the Speaker finished reading out the LG's message. 

Next: AAP faces opposition from Cong, BJP

AAP faces opposition from Cong, BJP

Congress and BJP on Friday questioned Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led Delhi Government's 'hasty' move to push for passage of Jan Lokpal Bill in the Assembly and said the legislation needs to be brought through proper procedure.

Maintaining that they were not against any steps for eradication of corruption from the country, BJP and Congress leaders targeted Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal for running away from discussion on alleged corruption charges against Law Minister, Somnath Bharti.

"We are not against Jan Lokpal Bill. If they want to make Jan Lokpal as law then they should bring in the Bill as per laid down procedure. We will support any bill which is brought through in accordance with laid down rules," Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) chief Arvinder Singh Lovely told reporters here.

The Congress will give support to AAP on Jan Lokpal Bill if they bring it in accordance with law, he said and opposed the present procedure being adopted by Kejriwal government for the introduction of the Bill in the Assembly.

"This government is running away from the issue of corruption. Congress will continue to push for its demand, seeking discussion on corruption charges against Somnath Bharti. They are running away from this issue also," he said, adding that the Congress is ready to go on roads against Bharti.

Asked about his party's strategy when the Jan Lokpal Bill will be brought in the Assembly, Singh said that the matter would be decided on the floor of the House. He also added that he has written a letter on Friday to Kejriwal, pledging his party's support to AAP on the basis of 18 points agenda by the Delhi Chief Minister.

Highlighting the stand of BJP in this matter, Delhi BJP leader, Harshavardhan said that he would give his support to Jan Lokpal Bill only if the bill is brought under proper rules. "We are fighting for eradicating corruption from the country. There is no question of opposing any anti-corruption bill.”