New Delhi:
Arvind Kejriwal today accused the ruling BJP of instigating the sanitation workers' strike that has caused a massive garbage crisis in Delhi, alleging that the Modi government "wants to impose President's rule in Delhi like Arunachal Pradesh."
Mr Kejriwal also alleged massive corruption in BJP-led civic bodies and said his government does not owe any money for workers who are on strike over salary dues. The Chief Minister, however, said he would loan Rs 550 crores to the agencies so they could pay what they owe workers.
"We will arrange salaries till January 31, for which 690 crores is needed. We are paying 142 crores immediately," Mr Kejriwal said in Bengaluru, where he is taking treatment at a naturopathy centre.
Earlier today, a large crowd of sanitation workers stopped traffic and dumped trash on the highway and roads in Delhi as they protested over salary dues, causing massive traffic jams. Traffic crawled in many parts of the city as sanitation workers spilled onto the highway and important roads.
Workers of BJP-led municipal corporations allege that they have not been paid for three months and it is the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government 's duty to release funds. AAP has accused the BJP of instigating the protests for political reasons.
The workers have been on strike for over a week. Their protests have led to mounds of filth piling across the city.
Around 16,000 teachers of civic body-run schools, 7,000 doctors and several nurses have also joined the protests.