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Aam admi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal took oath on Saturday in front of a cheering crowd of tens and thousands. He promised a corruption-free Delhi, vowed the end VIP culture and asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to worry about Delhi.
Rediff.com picks 10 quotes from the speech that marks the return of Kejriwal, Delhi’s humble, wiser and a more-experienced chief minister.
1. “I knew the people of Delhi loved us, but didn't know they loved us so much. On counting day, it appeared as if it was raining seats. The 67 out of 70 seats is not in a single man's hand, this is divine intervention. God is trying to give us a message.”
2. “We will have to be careful not to allow ahankar (arrogance) to creep in because of a huge mandate. It was due to our arrogance that we got over ambitious in the Lok Sabha elections, we were taught a lesson.”
3. "We are confident that Delhi will be free of corruption in the next five years. We will make Delhi the first corruption-free place in India.”
4. “The last time, we had passion to end corruption, we had romanticism, madness. Now after our 49-day government, we have confidence.”
5. "Please do not ask me a timeline for the work I want to do. Other parties couldn't do it in years, but we will work 24 hours. Delhi has given me a time of 5 years. My team and I will work 24 hours. We have started work as soon as the results came in. I have been down with fever, but even today I have taken a Crocin and have come for the swearing-in."
6. “If anyone asks for bribe, don't refuse. Take out your mobile phone and record it, we will record it.”
7. “I told PM Modi that this is a golden opportunity. We have a majority in Delhi and you have a majority at the Centre. Let us work together for Delhi.”
8. "I have learnt in my 49 days of governance that the government is not short of money, what lacks is the will."
9. "The people of Delhi won't tolerate this (attacks on churches). We celebrate all festivals together & we want to move forward together. We want to make a Delhi where everyone feels safe no matter what religion they follow.”
10. "Today I didn’t take oath as CM of Delhi, all of you have taken the oath. You all are the CMs of Delhi."