Everyone's CM, forgive opponents: What Kejriwal said after taking oath
What's the story
Bureaucrat-turned-politician Arvind Kejriwal took the oath as Delhi's Chief Minister for a third time on Sunday and delivered a speech to impress his voters and political opponents alike.
As he addressed a large gathering at Ramlila Maidan, the same place from where Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was born in 2012 after the anti-corruption movement, Kejriwal said he forgives those who spoke ill about him.
Context
After winning 62 seats, Kejriwal, six others took oath
Reminding of its performance in the last five years, AAP went into campaign mode, struck a chord with voters, and on February 11 won 62 out of 70 seats.
Along with six ministers — Manish Sisodia, Satyendar Jain, Gopal Rai, Kailash Gehlot, Imran Hussain, and Rajendra Pal Gautam, Kejriwal took the oath.
Before the ceremony, he invited the entire Delhi for the event.
Speech
Will work for BJP and Congress voters too: Kejriwal
Addressing the massive gathering, Kejriwal said, "Some people voted for AAP, some for BJP, some for Congress and other parties. But as I have taken an oath today I am everyone's chief minister."
He dedicated the victory to Delhi's residents and added, "Call everyone back in your villages that your son has become the CM and there is nothing to worry about."
Quote
Never hesitate to approach me, said Kejriwal
"Never hesitate to approach me and I will help everyone. We still have to do a lot for Delhi and I cannot do it alone. We make Delhi beautiful and better with your help," he went on.
Statement
I forgive everyone, want to work with Centre: Kejriwal
Kejriwal, who was called a terrorist by BJP leaders before polls, said, "I forgive you for all the things you have said against me, I request you also to forget all negative things."
He sought the blessings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was invited, for the upcoming tenure.
"I want to work with the Centre to make Delhi number one city," he said.
Quote
On freebies, Kejriwal said good things are for free
He also spoke about subsidies that he offered and said, "I have been accused of distributing freebies. But all good things in the world, like a mother's love and a father's blessings, are free. Delhi loves Kejriwal. I love Delhi. This love is for free,"
Mufflermen
There was no dearth of mufflermen at the ceremony
Kejriwal's oath-taking ceremony was attended by a number of kids, who were dressed just like him.
One among them was Avyaan Tomar, whose cuteness swept headlines on election counting day. AAP had invited Tomar.
"Kejriwal has done good work in our constituency. Kejriwal zindabad," Ruksana Begum, who dressed her son Zaid Hussain in a red-sweater and spectacles like Kejriwal, told IANS.
Twitter Post
Kejriwal's junior stole the show
One who steal the show 😊😊😊
— Deepika Rathour (@deepikarathour3) February 16, 2020
Chotu kejriwal #OathCeremony #delhicm pic.twitter.com/sBOM3B1LnP