Kejri says sorry, unmoved kin press for CBI probe

Under complaint for going ahead with his speech and not calling off the April 22 rally where a Rajasthan farmer committed suicide, Arvind Kejriwal today accepted his “mistake” and tendered an apology, which was “rejected” by the deceased’s family. Gajendra Singh (41) had ended his life by hanging himself from a tree at the rally organised by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

“I was to deliver an hour-long speech but I covered it up in 10-15 minutes. I think that was my fault. Apparently, I should not have spoken. If that has hurt anyone’s sentiments I would like to beg pardon,” said Kejriwal said. He asserted that the focus should not diverge from the “real” issues being faced by the farmers.

“I am guilty. Blame me. I feel the rally should have been called off. But please concentrate on the real issue of the farmers and desist from campaigning. Whoever is convicted hang him but the focus of the debate should be on why the farmers are executing suicide,” Kejriwal said.

“The District Magistrate has the jurisdiction to investigate under the CrPC and the police conduct criminal investigation based on an FIR. If the police orders me, I will go to file my proclamation,” he said.

Still to come to terms with the misfortune, Gajendra’s family refused to accept Kejriwal’s regret. “What will happen now after this apology? My brother has gone. Kejriwal did not seize the rally for even two minutes after the mishap,” Gajendra’s sister Rekha told reporters at his native Nangal Jhamarwada village in Dausa district of Rajasthan.