New Delhi, Apr 5 (PTI): In a veiled attack on AAP rebel leaders and his political foes, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today claimed that a "conspiracy" was hatched to defame him and his government but said he will not succumb to any such tactics.
Kejriwal also took a dim view of the media for the kind of coverage given to AAP's rebel leaders.
In an apparent reference to AAP's dissidents Prashant Bhushan and Yogendra Yadav, Kejriwal without naming anyone said blogs are being written and comments are posted on social networking sites to discredit and weaken him and made it clear that he will not deterred by such campaigns.
"From the day our government is made, there is big conspiracy being hatched against me and my government by trying to defame us and make us unsuccessful." Kejriwal said during the launch of anti-corruption helpline number 1031 at Talkatora stadium.
During the course of his speech, Kejriwal referred to media coverage of activities of AAP rebel leaders.
"Today, anyone starts abusing me it becomes breaking news. If someone has to get fame in 24 hours then start abusing me and TV camera will focus on them. People are writing blog and posting against me on twitter. This is all part of a conspiracy."
Keriwal mentioned that AAP's victory in Delhi assembly election has shaken political parties.
"All corrupt people and blackmailers have joined hands against us. No one in this world can blackmail me as I am an honest man and have support of public," he said.
Bhushan and Yadav were expelled from AAP's National Executive on March 28 and later had written blogs and open letters criticizing Kejriwal's leadership.
Both the leaders have announced that they will hold a meeting of their supporters and well-wishers on April 14 to decide their political strategy.
During the launch of the helpline, Kejriwal also attacked the Centre for weakening the Anti Corruption Branch (ACB) by allegedly curtailing its power.
"Entire Delhi including employees of central government, Delhi Police and MCD came under the ambit of ACB which was notified in 1993. ACB then can take action against everyone. So during our rule of 49-days we started taking action against everyone."
"But soon after our government went, central government passed an order that ACB can only take action against people of Delhi but not against Central government employees and others... What happened that BJP changed the rule after 21 years? It was done to shield Mukesh Ambani against whom we registered an FIR," Kejriwal said.
The Chief Minister also said that Delhi Assembly has resolved not to agree to Centre's move to curtail Delhi's ACB's powers. "We will take action against any department and any government through this helpline," he added.