Irked by the awaiting approval from the center for his scheduled trip to Singapore to attend a global conference, Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal claimed today that the delay seemed to be due to a "political reason."
Arvind Kejriwal insisted that he was not a criminal and that his attendance at the "World Cities Summit" in Singapore was an issue of national pride.
Speaking to reporters, Delhi CM Kejriwal said, "I am not a criminal, I am an elected Chief Minister of a state."
The Singapore administration invited Kejriwal to attend the conference, where he will brief international leaders on the Delhi model.
"It's beyond my understanding why I'm being prohibited from visiting the summit. I think this visit would only bring more glory to India," he said.
According to the AAP convenor, the country's internal issues should not be reflected in the world arena.
On Sunday, he wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting permission for the visit.
In the letter addressed to PM Modi, Kejriwal said, "The Government of Singapore has invited us to present the Delhi model at the global summit. During the summit, the Delhi model has to be presented in front of many big leaders of the world. Today the whole world wants to know about the Delhi model. This invitation is a matter of pride and honour for the country."
"It is a matter of pride for India as the world is inspired by the health and education model of Delhi. The country will feel proud when I will present the model of Delhi's schools, hospitals, mohalla clinics, free electricity and others. My Singapore visit will elevate the country's pride and stature," the letter further reads.
Singapore High Commissioner Simon Wong invited Kejriwal to the summit in June, but he has yet to secure permission to go.
On August 1, he is scheduled to speak at the summit.