Direct cash transfer scheme a BRIBE to voters: Kejriwal

Land acquisition and corruption will be among a string of issues that will be highlighted by Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party, which on Wednesday described the United Progressive Alliance government's decision to launch a direct cash transfer scheme as a "bribe to voters".

After a two-day meeting of the AAP's National Executive, which took several decisions about the party's future plans, Kejriwal said the expose on corruption will continue, even as the party will target price rise and power issues in the national capital.

Commenting on the cash transfer scheme, he said the scheme may end up in stopping "some leakages", but on several counts it is not desirable.

"The timing is questionable. This is a way of giving bribe to voters," he told reporters when asked about the government's decision to launch its new flagship programme of direct cash transfer from January 1.

Though it would stop some leakages, the decision raises several questions, he said.

He said the rationale of ending the public distribution system and giving cash to people is wrong.

"You end ration and give them cash. This does not take into account price rise," he said.

On the issues that will be taken up by his party, Kejriwal said land acquisition, corruption, ensuring fair price for farmers and labour issues will be high on priority.

"In Delhi, we will raise price rise and power related issues," he said.

Kejriwal said the party will form district committees in 337 districts of 15 states by January 26 and it will form state-level committees by mid-February. The formation of district committees will be taken up after January 26.

National Executive member Gopal Rai said from December 10, the party will reach out to every household in the capital to seek their response on various issues.

"We will start our Jan Sampark programme from December 10," he said.

The National Executive also formed a Political Affairs Committee with Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh, Yogendra Yadav, Illyas Azmi, Gopal Rai and Prashant Bhushan as its members.

It also decided that Sisodia and Anand Kumar will be the chief spokespersons for the party while Yadav and Kumar will coordinate with the 25 sub-committees which are looking into various subjects.