Arvind Kejriwal says he will not bow to Home Ministry's order

NEW DELHI: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today said his government would not bow down to the Home Ministry's "unconstitutional" order which requires Delhi government to obtain prior approval from the Centre before tabling any bill in the assembly.

"I have not taken oath to uphold Home Minister's unconstitutional order. We will protect the constitution. Our souls do not allow us to follow unconstitutional order," Kejriwal told reporters here after meeting Lt Governor Najeeb Jung to discuss various issues relating to the Jan Lokpal Bill.

Talking about his meeting with Jung, Kejriwal said the Lt Governor was in dilemma over the matter.

"There is a dilemma in front of him (Jung). At one hand there is constitution, on the other hand there is Home Minister's order. I have told Lt Governor that the order is unconstitutional," Kejriwal said.

Kejriwal further said Lt Governor had sought Union Law Ministry's opinion on the constitutional position on the order.

"Lt Governor said he was seeking Law Ministry views and accordingly will take decision. He has his own restrictions," said Kejriwal.

The Chief Minister said he was ready to make any "sacrifice" for fighting for the autonomy of Delhi assembly and people.

"My government has taken oath to uphold constitution and make Delhi corruption free. We are ready to make any sacrifice for this," he said.