File Photo: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today called for a "working arrangement" with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as both live in the same city.
"I accept the AAP government has major differences with the Central government but there must be some working arrangement between the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister," Mr Kejriwal said in his maiden Independence Day speech at the packed Chhatrasal Stadium.
"As both the Chief Minister of Delhi and the Prime Minister of the country live in the national capital, there should be a working arrangement between them for the welfare of the city and the people residing here," the Aam Aadmi Party leader said.
This is why, he said, he had tried to meet PM Modi but failed. "I tried to meet the prime minister over the issue but could not meet. I will again try to meet him."
Mr Kejriwal continued to speak even as heavy rains lashed the venue, where hundreds of people -- from students to government officers -- had gathered to hear him.
The Delhi government has been at loggerheads with the central government over the last few months.
Mr Kejriwal has accused the Narendra Modi government of trying to control Delhi through the Lieutenant Governor, who is its representative. A bitter turf has been on between Mr Kejriwal and Mr Najeeb Jung over the appointment of bureaucrats.