Congress supporting AAP as it has promised a non-corrupt government: Sushil Kumar Shinde

Bangalore: Congress has offered unconditional support to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as it has promised to give a "clean and non-corrupt government", Union Home Minister Suhshil Kumar Shinde said today.

"AAP wanted to come to power and give a clean government, and Congress has decided to give unconditional support to whoever talks of giving a clean and non-corrupt government," he told reporters.

The Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP, with its anti-corruption plank, made a stunning electoral debut with 28 seats in the 70-member Delhi Assembly while Congress suffered a rout in the recent Assembly election, managing to win just eight seats.

On the formation of government in Delhi which threw up a hung House in the Assembly polls, Mr Shinde said if AAP rejects the offer, the constitutional authority would take a decision on it.

Congress had sent a letter to Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung offering unconditional support to the AAP in forming a government, stating the party would not like to put the burden of a fresh election on the people.

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"A decision will be taken after AAP members' meeting with Lt Governor," Mr Shinde said.

Asked about reports that he would meet Mr Jung to discuss the issue, Mr Shinde said, "There wouldn't be any such meeting."

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Meanwhile, the AAP today set some new conditions for the Congress and the BJP before deciding on forming a government, a move seen as attempts to fob off criticism that it was shying from responsibility.

Mr Kejriwal had given to Mr Jung copies of the letters he had written to Congress President Sonia Gandhi and BJP Chief Rajnath Singh seeking their views on a list of 18 issues that included ending VIP culture in the capital, audit of electricity companies and removal of MLA local funds scheme.