Kejriwal hints at alliance with Ajay’s party

Our Correspondent

Sonepat, November 21

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday hinted that his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) could ally with the new outfit to be launched by Ajay Chautala if the latter makes an offer in this connection.

Kejriwal told this to the media in the district’s Thana Kalan village. He visited the village to hand over a cheque for Rs1 crore to the widow of BSF havildar Narender Singh, who was killed by Pakistani troops along the International Border near Jammu last month.

“Hisar MP Dushyant Chautala is a young leader with a clean image. I hold him high esteem. If they (Ajay and his son Dushyant) express willingness to ally with AAP, we will consider the offer seriously,” he said.

Ajay has already announced that his outfit would align with any party other than the BJP or the Congress, while Dushyant has hinted that the proposed party would enter into an alliance either with AAP or BSP.

Kejriwal’s offer has come as a surprise to political observers. All along, his poll plank has been transparency in public life. In contrast, Ajay’s image has been tainted by a conviction in a job scam case. He is serving a 10-year-imprisonment in the JBT recruitment scam case.

Accompanied by state AAP president Naveen Jaihind, Kejriwal reached Thana Kalan village in the evening and met the martyr’s family.

The AAP Government had earlier approved a proposal to amend a rule on awarding ex gratia of Rs1 crore to the family of slain security personnel to include those who have settled in the National Capital after joining service.

Addressing a gathering in the village, Kejriwal said, “We are all proud of his sacrifice.” He questioned why successive governments do not give a befitting reply to Pakistan.

Narender’s widow Santosh and son Mohit thanked the Delhi Chief Minister for helping the families of martyrs. They hoped the Haryana Government would keep its promise of financial help and a government job to one of the members of the family.