Amid allegations of failing to tackle Delhi’s dengue and chikungunya outbreak, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday hit back critics and held Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung responsible for the menace. Delhi government ministers and Aam Aadmi Party leaders also took on the LG for shunning responsibility after being declared as ‘administrator’ of Delhi by Delhi High Court.
“Chief Minister and Ministers left with no power now, even to buy a pen. LG and PM enjoy all powers with Delhi LG abroad. Question them for Delhi,” tweeted Arvind Kejriwal on four deaths due to chikungunya in Delhi. The Chief Minister also defended his ministers who are being criticised for not being in Delhi at the time of surge in dengue and chikungunya cases in the city. Kejriwal in on a 10- day visit to Bengaluru for his throat surgery.
The Chief Minister also tweeted several media reports in which LG was recently declared ‘super-boss’ of Delhi by Delhi High Court. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who is in Finland for an education programme, also blamed LG for the menace and alleged that the officers appointed by the LG ignore ministers and don’t even attend meetings.
Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain who returned to Delhi from Goa on Tuesday afternoon alleged that LG was hellbent on paralysing the functioning of Delhi government. “Where is LG now? He used to give statements in media regularly but nobody is asking about his whereabouts at this time,” asked Jain.
“LG has ordered all officers not to work. The officers are not attending meetings called by ministers. They are being transferred without consulting ministers. LG has summoned around 500 files for scrutiny and has ordered all officers not to take any action till the files are scrutinised,” he alleged.
Jain specifically blamed LG for creating chaos in the city and paralysing the health department of Delhi government. “He first transferred a performing health secretary and appointed a new one. Then LG sent the new health secretary on a 15-day leave till September 16. LG himself went on leave for the USA. How can we work?” asked Jain.