Kejriwal promises to spend it on public welfare

During his first speech as Chief Minister post-swearing-in, Arvind Kejriwal urged traders to willingly pay taxes without any fear, and trust the State to spend it in productive work.

In the run up to the elections, the Aam Aadmi Party had made several efforts to reach out to traders in the city. Towards the later half of his nearly 30-minutes address, Mr. Kejriwal dedicated a segment of his speech to the trading community, which backed the AAP with funds and votes.

“And now a word for the traders. Delhi’s traders have backed us in a big way in these elections and I have a small request to make. To run a government, one needs money. I promise each one of you that no Department under our control will come and harass you. Nobody will extract money from you,” said the Chief Minister.

He assured the businessmen that they could run their business without pressure or fear.

“We want trade to flourish, your businesses to grow. I request you to pay taxes out of your own free will,” he said.

“It is be possible that the tax you paid thus far, some of it went down the corruption drain and got lost. I will not let this happen. I will make sure every penny you pay is accounted for and is utilised in carrying out development works. We will invest the money in your children’s education, and in hospitals and roads,” he added.

“The markets where you operate will be renovated. Parking services will be improved, and we will ensure safety for women with the tax money. We will utilise it for the betterment of water and power services too. I learnt in those 49 days that there is no shortage of money with the government, but intent was lacking all this while.”

Kejriwal dedicated a segment of his speech to the trading community, which backed the AAP with funds and votes