In the midst of an acrimonious power struggle over administrative control in Delhi, Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of being deeply entangled in corruption. Dikshit went on to claim that Kejriwal could become the first elected Chief Minister to face jail time due to corruption charges against the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
According to news agency ANI, Dikshit remarked, “It’s a failed government under Kejriwal’s leadership. He is so embroiled in corruption that, for the first time in the history of this country, an elected Chief Minister might face imprisonment for 8-10 days. The issue at hand is not only his corrupt practices but also his rude behavior. Whether you ask the people of Delhi or the Lieutenant Governor, no one wants to engage with him because of his use of offensive language.”
The recent developments in the dispute between the central and Delhi governments revolve around the control of administrative services. On Friday, the central government promulgated an ordinance to establish a National Capital Civil Service Authority, which would oversee matters related to service conditions, transfers, and postings of officials. This move was seen as an attempt by the central government to regain control after a Supreme Court ruling on May 11, which granted legislative and executive powers to the Delhi government in areas except public order, police, and land.
In response, Arvind Kejriwal criticized the ordinance, deeming it “unconstitutional” and a “direct challenge” to the Supreme Court. He accused the central government of insulting and showing contempt for the apex court. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on the other hand, asserted that the ordinance was in line with the Constitution and aligned with the observations of the Supreme Court.
Administrative Control Conflict: The Battle over Services in Delhi
Sources from the central government stated that they were compelled to promulgate the ordinance due to the Delhi government’s continuous “instigation” and “acrimonious attacks” on the central government, as well as the unique character of the city.
Amid the ongoing conflict, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar met with Arvind Kejriwal at his residence on Sunday and expressed his complete support regarding the issue. Nitish Kumar was accompanied by his deputy, Tejashwi Yadav, who is a leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).
Another Congress leader, Ajay Maken, offered a piece of advice to Arvind Kejriwal, drawing from the wisdom of former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. Maken took to Twitter to suggest that officers are neutral and can be influenced through respectful engagement, dialogue, and persuasion for the betterment of Delhi. He emphasized the importance of aligning their vision with sincere intentions, which he believed would prompt officers to support Kejriwal’s initiatives.
In conclusion, Sandeep Dikshit’s allegations of corruption against Arvind Kejriwal, along with his prediction of potential jail time, have intensified the already bitter tussle over administrative control in Delhi. The central government’s decision to introduce the National Capital Civil Service Authority ordinance has further escalated tensions between the two sides. Meanwhile, various political figures have taken contrasting stances, with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar extending his support to Kejriwal and Congress leader Ajay Maken providing advice based on the experiences of former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. The unfolding situation is likely to have significant repercussions for the political landscape in Delhi and beyond.
In the midst of a heated power struggle over administrative control in Delhi, Sandeep Dikshit, a prominent Congress leader, has launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, alleging deep-rooted corruption within his government. Dikshit has gone as far as suggesting that Kejriwal could potentially become the first elected Chief Minister in the history of the country to face imprisonment on corruption charges. These accusations have further exacerbated the already tense relationship between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress party.
Dikshit’s allegations surfaced against the backdrop of the recent controversy surrounding the control of administrative services in Delhi. The central government promulgated an ordinance on Friday, establishing the National Capital Civil Service Authority. This body is tasked with overseeing matters related to service conditions, transfers, and postings of officials, in what appears to be an attempt by the central government to regain control following a Supreme Court ruling on May 11. The Supreme Court decision granted the Delhi government legislative and executive powers over most areas except public order, police, and land.
In response to the ordinance, Arvind Kejriwal swiftly denounced it as “unconstitutional” and a “direct challenge” to the authority of the Supreme Court. He accused the central government of insulting and showing contempt for the apex court. However, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has defended the ordinance, asserting that it is in line with the Constitution and in accordance with the Supreme Court’s observations.
Sources from the central government argue that the ordinance was necessitated by the Delhi government’s consistent “instigation” and “acrimonious attacks” on the central government, as well as the unique nature of the city itself. These sources indicate that the central government felt compelled to take action to address the ongoing provocations from the Delhi government.
Meanwhile, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar visited Arvind Kejriwal at his residence and expressed complete support in the midst of this contentious tussle. Nitish Kumar, accompanied by his deputy and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, affirmed solidarity with Kejriwal on the issue. This display of support from a regional heavyweight adds an interesting dimension to the power dynamics surrounding the conflict.
Amidst the political turmoil, Congress leader Ajay Maken extended a piece of advice to Arvind Kejriwal, drawing on the wisdom of former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. Maken took to Twitter, advising Kejriwal to engage with officers respectfully, initiate dialogues, and persuade them to support the advancement of Delhi. Maken emphasized that officers are impartial and can be won over by genuine intentions and a sincere vision for progress.
The allegations made by Sandeep Dikshit against Arvind Kejriwal have ignited fresh controversy and intensified the ongoing power struggle over administrative control in Delhi. The introduction of the National Capital Civil Service Authority ordinance by the central government has further strained relations between the central and Delhi governments. The political landscape is witnessing various actors taking contrasting positions, with Nitish Kumar lending support to Kejriwal, while Congress leader Ajay Maken provides advice rooted in the experiences of former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. The outcome of this battle for control is likely to have far-reaching implications, not only for the governance of Delhi but also for the broader political arena.