Arvind Kejriwal takes charge, vows ’We are here to serve’
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New Delhi, Dec 28, 2013 (NDTV): Wearing his trademark white cap, Arvind Kejriwal was sworn in today as Delhi’s youngest chief minister, as an estimated one lakh people cheered for him at Ramlila Maidan, a massive public park in the heart of the city.
The bespectacled 45-year-old rode the metro to the ceremony. His decision to use public transport echoes his pre-poll promise to end the VIP culture of Delhi’s political elite.
Describing his one-year-old party’s journey to power as "nothing short of a miracle", Mr Kejriwal delivered a heart-felt speech after taking his oath. "I appeal to my party let us never become arrogant," he said and added, "we are here to serve."
Making governance more transparent and inclusive and checking corruption was what he pitched in a highly effective marketing campaign ahead of the Delhi election. Today, he urged the city, "Let us swear that we will never seek nor offer a bribe." The sea of supporters roared its assent.
For voters frustrated with endemic corruption, Mr Kejriwal has emerged as a new hope, and has been given a starling mandate.
His Aam Aadmi Party made a stunning electoral debut in the Delhi election, placing second. The ruling Congress was forced into a poor third, and is lending external support to his minority government.
The BJP won the most seats but did not get a majority and decided it would not try to form the government.
Unlike his predecessors, Mr Kejriwal has said he and his ministers will not occupy the sprawling bungalows surrounded by lush lawns in Delhi. He plans to keep living in his fourth-storey flat in the Delhi suburb of Ghaziabad and has declined police protection.
He asked to be sworn-in at a public park so that the aam aadmi or common man could attend the ceremony. The venue he picked is where he rallied a historic anti-corruption movement with activist Anna Hazare two years ago.
They have been estranged since Mr Kejriwal decided to enter politics.
AAP ka chief minister: Kejriwal takes a metro to swearing-in-ceremony
New Delhi, Dec 28, 2013: Arvind Kejriwal has left his Ghaziabad home for the Ramlila Maidan, where he will be sworn in as Delhi’s youngest chief minister at noon today.
The 45-year-old taxman-turned-politician and the six Aam Aadmi Party ministers who will be sworn in with him are now using the Metro to reach the venue.
As he stepped out of his home, a woollen scarf wrapped around his head, Mr Kejriwal said, "Today is a historic day...This fight is not about making me the Chief Minister, this is the second fight for Independence." He promised to free the country of corruption.
A short while ago, Mr Kejriwal received a congratulatory message from his one-time mentor Anna Hazare who also regretted that he would not be attending the oath taking ceremony. The chief minister to be said Anna’s blessings were crucial for him.
Outside his home, people waited long hours to greet and bless him too. "Why CM, he will be PM soon," said an elderly man in a red turban.
Words that were echoed at the Ramlila grounds where about 40,000 people had already gathered by 10.30 am, waving the tricolour in an electric atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. Nearly 1,600 policemen have been deployed for security.
Arvind Kejriwal has said there will be no VIPs at the ceremony today. His family will sit among the rest of the people and watch him taking oath.
Mr Kejriwal and his ministers will hold a cabinet meeting this afternoon where portfolios will be handed out. They will then begin work at the Delhi Secretariat.
Mr Kejriwal is expected to issue some executive orders on Day 1. For instance, he has promised to assess whether a steep hike in CNG prices effected on Thursday is necessary.
Team Kejriwal will work on Sunday too.
Mr Kejriwal will run a minority government with external support from the Congress. He has to prove he has the numbers in the next seven days.