Arvind Kejriwal Leaves Janta Darbar Mid-way to Avoid Stampede; Latest Reactions

Admitting to management lapses at the public hearing outside Delhi Secretariat, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal left mid-way due to a near stampede situation.

"There are a lot of expectations by the people. It was so overcrowded that I had to leave from there, we had no clue. It was as if I was witnessing a cyclone there. The crowd was uncontrollable, we lacked in management but have to make proper arrangements from next time. A lot of people had come just to congratulate me. Had I not left from there, there would have been a stampede," Kejriwal told ANI, after he left the public hearing due to the chaos.

There were at least 50 odd Delhi policemen with four inspectors, three ACPs and one DCP deployed in the premises, while all roads leading to the Secretariat were barricaded with just pedestrians allowed.

Other AAP ministers continued to address the grievances of the people.

"Maximum complaints were from government employees against water and electricity issues," Kejriwal said.

PWD and Urban Development Minister Manish Sisodia said, "The way we are receiving complaints seems as if employees at ground level aren't doing their work." More than 3,900 calls were received within seven hours of the activation of the anti-corruption helpline by the Delhi CM.

Latest Reactions

Giriraj Singh, BJP leader: There is no government in Delhi, they are just trying to appeal the masses. It was just a political gimmick.

Kiran Bedi, former IPS Officer and social activist: Governance demands solid maturity of Governance+Administration which institutionalizes change Secretariat is meant for!Not Streets always! For God's sake,Arvind and Team,Secretariats are not run from Roof Tops! Pl take time to listen/absorb! And then take considered decisions!

Escape velocity is well defined at kejriwal janta darwar

— Giriraj Singh (@girirajsinghbjp) January 11, 2014

Kanchan Gupta, Journalist and Editor of Niti Central: Arvind Kejriwal's Janata Durbar drama for TV But you (Kejriwal) wanted your face on TV and you got it! Narcissist.

Does Aaptards party have economic, defence, foreign & internal security policies? No! So just a cocktail party. Only know shoot & scoot — Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) January 11, 2014

Smriti Z Irani, BJP spokesperson: Isn't making proper arrangements responsibility of Delhi Govt led by Arvind Kejriwal?

Promod Tiwari, Congress leader: Did they not know how many people would be coming? If he can't protect himself, how will he protect the Delhiites?

Sushil Kumar Modi, BJP leader: As Dy CM for 7 yrs I used to hold JANTA DURBAR every week.Well organised,no chaos.AAP believes more in symbolism then content