NEW DELHI: All those who were expecting chief minister Arvind Kejriwal to counter the opposition's five-hour fusillade with an angry volley on the last day of the assembly session were taken aback when, in a 10-minute charm offensive, he humbly thanked everyone for their criticism and suggestions. "It was a very effective discussion. I am thankful to the members who have given me so many constructive suggestionsand advice," said the chief minister in his calm voice, betraying no tension in his body language.
The day started with a walkout by BJP membersbut thereafter, for five hours, the opposition pounded the government's positions on schemes, subsidies and promises ceaselessly. When it wasthe CM's turn to speak, he wrapped up his address in barely 10 minutes, leaving most opposition leaders wondering how to react.
Gauging the mood like an astute politician, Kejriwal began his speech by thanking the opposition for "highlighting so many issues that I was unaware of". He even expressed his objection to the opposition's use of "harsh words" mildly, drawing smiles from the rival camp. "I have noted all of your suggestions. Those that came in polite words, those which were communicated in harsh words, and even those that came in very harsh words. I welcome all the criticism. Please keep this up. Do not let us sleep, ever," said Kejriwal with a grin.
Shielding his team from the opposition's demands for apologies, and skirting a session of counter-allegations, Kejriwal apologized on behalf of his team for their "immature" acts. "We are first-timers. I know we are making immature mistakes. I request you to overlook them for a while." This comment came in response to Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) MLA Manjinder Singh Sirsa's complaint that an AAP MLA refused to shake hands with him.
Criticized by the BJP-led opposition and Congress MLAs for not stating his plan to implement the new policies, Kejriwal said he is a political novice. "We have 100 shortcomings. We may lack vision but our intentions are clean."
Just 11 days into his office, the chief minister played his masterstroke when he promised to take every MLA along, drawing cheers across the 70-member house. "I completely agree with my colleague's (Congress MLA Devendra Yadav) arguments that Swaraj is not possible without dialogue among the members of this house. A meeting of minds and hearts of the 70 members sitting in this assembly holds importance for us. Today, this assembly will come to an end but we must meet regularly to continue our discussions," concluded Kejriwal as he asked his MLA from Burari, Sanjeev Jha, to close the house by presenting the final motion.
His address found support from most of the members barring BJP's Sahib Singh Chouhan and Jagdish Mukhi who continued to demand replies on individual issues from the chief minister.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/CM-Kejriwal-disarms-with-charm-offensive/articleshow/28528135.cms
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