Kejriwal invokes ‘Ram Rajya', hails AAP's governance record

Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday said the Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi has drawn inspiration from the "10 principles of Ram Rajya" for its rule, and said that the consecration ceremony held on January 22 at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya was "a matter of pride" for the country.

- Paras Singh

The chief minister was speaking at the state-level Republic Day celebration held at Chhatrasal Stadium near Model Town in north Delhi.

In a 35-minute-long speech, Kejriwal compared the initiatives taken by his government to the concept of "Ram Rajya". He said that Ram Rajya is used to refer to a form of ideal governance.

"In Delhi, we are trying to run the government taking inspiration from the concept of Ram Rajya. We have gathered 10 principles from the definition as defined in Ramayana... If we walk on the path of Lord Ram, no power can stop India from becoming the number one nation," Kejriwal said.

Ram Rajya refers to the rule of Lord Ram and is usually associated with virtuous rule, values, prosperity, and peace.

Kejriwal underscored the 10 principles of the AAP's governance inspired by Ram Rajya people should not be left hungry; equal and good education for all; access to free and good health care; 24-hour access to electricity; access to water supply; pilgrimage for the elderly through the Teerth Yatra scheme; citizens' and women's safety; employment for all; keeping inflation in check; and equal opportunities for all.