Jan Lokpal Bill: Arvind Kejriwal may resign; says this could be AAP government's last session

NEW DELHI: Giving indications of his likely resignation, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday told the Delhi Assembly, "This could be our last session." Kejriwal's statement came after Delhi government failed to introduce the Jan Lokpal Bill in the Assembly.

"Is it unconstitutional to fight against corruption," asked Kejriwal while addressing the Delhi Assembly. "I can even give my life for the country and people, CMship is no big deal," Kejriwal said.

Kejriwal accused both BJP and Congress of being hand in glove. "They do not want to pass the Jan Lokpal Bill. Both BJP and Congress know that if we send Jan Lokpal Bill to Centre, they will ensure that it does not get passed," Kejriwal said.

Expressing displeasure with the way the Assembly proceedings took place, Kejriwal said, "It is sad that there is so much chaos inside the temple of democracy, mikes are broken, papers torn." "We are here to learn, we may be wrong sometimes due to lack of experience," Kejriwal added.

Sources close to Kejriwal said the Chief Minister may take the "extreme step of resigning soon" as the biggest bill of the government has not been allowed to be introduced.

"The Chief Minister feels there is no point in remaining in the government," the sources said, adding all the party workers have been asked to come for consultations.

With only 27 MLAs favouring the bill, in a house of 70, the bill was not introduced. "Jan Lokpal Bill has not been allowed to be introduced after 42 MLAs oppose it," said the Assembly Speaker.

Following the rejection of the bill, Kejriwal called for an emergency meet at AAP's office in Delhi. AAP leader Yogendra Yadav said that the future course of action will be decided after the meet.

As soon as the move by AAP government failed, BJP raised a pitch for Kejriwal's resignation. "If Kejriwal ji, you have some self-respect left then resign as you had promised. But now you are quiet," Sahib Singh Chauhan of BJP hit out. "AAP thinks they are above the constitution. They are not respecting views of L-G and President," Chauhan added.

Reacting to the speculations, Supreme Court lawyer Harish Salve said, "Hopefully Arvind Kejriwal will get out of this stand-off with the LG." "The AAP Govt is more about making points then getting work done. I don't see why the CM should step down," Salve added.

Supreme Court lawyer KTS Tulsi said, "How can a CM indulge in brinkmanship day in & day out. I don't think he will resign."

Defying Lt Governor's advice, the AAP Government tried to table the Jan Lokpal Bill in Delhi Assembly amidst stiff protests from BJP and Congress members triggering an uproar and forcing adjournment of the House.