BBC: Delhi Chief Arvind Kejriwal Swears to End ‘VIP Culture’

India Corruption Crusader
AP Photo

Anti-corruption activist Arvind Kejriwal has vowed to end Delhi’s “VIP culture” as he was sworn in as the Indian capital’s chief minister.

The ceremony took place at an open ground, the Ramlila Maidan, in front of thousands of cheering supporters.

Mr Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) won 67 of 70 seats in the state assembly, trouncing both the mainstream parties.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which won a landslide in last year’s general election, was reduced to three seats.

It was a major setback for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Congress, historically the biggest party in Delhi, was wiped out.

“I knew the people of Delhi love me, but I didn’t know they love me so much,” Mr Kejriwal reportedly quipped at the ceremony.

During his inauguration speech, Mr Kejriwal said he would end the “VIP culture” that privileges politicians above ordinary citizens – for instance, allowing them to bypass the gridlocked city traffic.

“In developed countries, even PMs wait at bus stands. Why can’t the same happen here?” he said.

“We want to end the VIP culture in this country.”

Read the full story at Reuters.

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