Terms of engagement: AAP's 18 posers to Congress, BJP - Economic Times

NEW DELHI: The battle to grab brownie points continues in Delhi state politics. In reply to offers of support to Aam Aadmi Party for forming a government, Arvind Kejriwal has asked Congress and BJP to explain their stand on 18 issues and whether both parties are willing to offer unconditional support to tackle them. Here's the list of issues and queries that AAP has raised before the two parties:

Ending VIP culture in Delhi: No MLA, minister or officer will use a red beacon in his car. None of them will stay in a big bungalow or claim special security. Special funds to MLAs and municipal corporations should be stopped. They should be sent directly to mohalla sabhas. Would Congress/BJP support us on this proposal unconditionally and help in its implementation?

Jan Lokpal Bill: The bill should be passed by Delhi assembly. It is understandable that after the bill becomes a law, the scam that took place during 15 years of Congress rule will be investigated. The scams which happened during the seven years of BJP rule in the municipal corporations will also be investigated. Will your party allow the bill to be passed in Delhi assembly?

Establishment of Swaraj in Delhi: People should have the right to take decisions in their own mohallas, colonies and bylanes. More and more decisions should be taken directly by the common people through mohalla sabhas.

Granting statehood to Delhi: AAP would demand statehood from the Centre. DDA and Delhi Police should be rid of central control.

Auditing power companies: It appears that there is a lot of fudging in the accounts of the private power companies. AAP wants a special audit to be conducted. The licence of any company which refuses audit should be cancelled. The findings of the audit would be put before people and Delhi's power rates should be decided on that basis. Delhi's power bill should be halved.

Fast electricity meters: Some people suspect that the Delhi power meters are moving too fast. Their functioning must be looked into by an independent agency. If meters are found to be too fast, then the extra money collected by power companies should be recovered and the meters changed.

Water problems: The capital's water mafia receives direct or indirect protection from Congress and BJP leaders. There will be strict action against the mafia and those protecting them. The corrupt Delhi Jal Board must be re-organised. AAP wants to offer 700 litres of free water to every home.

Unauthorised colonies: Delhi's 30 per cent population lives in unauthorised colonies. AAP wants these colonies to be regularised within one year and offer them all facilities.

JJ colonies: One-third of Delhi lives in slum clusters. AAP demands they should be given pucca homes on easy terms. Until that happens, their homes should not be demolished. They should be given other facilities such as latrines.

Contract labour: In the past 10-15 years, the system of contract labour has grown in Delhi. For instance, Delhi government keeps hygiene workers, teachers, nurses, doctors etc on contracts and they are exploited by contractors. AAP wants to end the contract system of labour for both daily and permanent jobs.

Trade and industry: VAT has become a complicated system. The rates are so high that many businesses have moved away from Delhi. AAP wants simplification of VAT. It wants a reassessment of VAT rates. AAP wants to improve the conditions for trade and industry in the capital by offering better road, power and water facilities.

FDI in retail: AAP is against FDI in retail in Delhi.

Village land: There are 360 villages in Delhi where agriculture is carried out and where land is often forcibly taken away at a cheap price and given to big builders. AAP wants no acquisition of land without gram sabha's permission. Lal dora land should be expanded.

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