45 AAP MLAs storm into Raj Niwas to meet LG Baijal

NEW DELHI: As many as 45 AAP MLAs stormed Raj Niwas on Wednesday, "displaying conduct unbecoming of responsible elected representatives" on the issue of Mohalla Clinics.

A prior appointment was taken by MLA Saurabh Bhardwaj to discuss the issue of Mohalla Clinics with the Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal on Wednesday afternoon with four other fellow which was promised and confirmed by him, the LG office said.

However, nearly 45 MLAs headed by Bhardwaj assembled in front of Raj Niwas and demanded to meet the Lieutenant Governor which was fulfilled. At the outset, the members expressed their concerns about the Mohalla Clinics not being established as envisaged in their assembly constituencies.

The LG explained the current status of the proposal and clearly outlined the progress so far. While Bhardwaj said that Baijal replied to delegation but there is no proposal or file pending in the office of LG relating to Aam Aadmi Mohalla Clinics. Further, no request for allotment of land for the Mohalla Clinics from the elected government is pending with the LG office.AAP government claims that the file seeking approval for setting-up Mohalla Clinics was sent to LG office in the month of May and he marked the file to the Vigilance department, two months later. The Vigilance department refused to share it with the minister in charge Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia despite his repeated reminders over several days.

Baijal alleged that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday did not come to LG Office and skipped the weekly meeting.

However, Kejriwal urged the LG Baijal over telephone that he is willing to come over to the Raj Niwas along with full council of ministers to discuss the issue and resolve it, however the LG Baijal refused to do so.

The Health Minister received a letter from the Vigilance department on August 29 containing a gist of vague allegations regarding the Mohalla Clinics. Within minutes, the minister responded asking for a list of specific complaints which he assured he will look into himself. He also said that not opening any new clinics was not the solution to the problem.

The delegation of MLAs have sought time from the LG and urged him to clear the file at the earliest.

As representatives of the people, the AAP MLAs have expressed their deep concerns over the L-G office's speed of operation in this matter.