Kejriwal, Sisodia seek HM’s intervention over stalemate

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia on Monday met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who is said to have advised them to avoid confrontation and resolve all issues with the Centre and the LG amicably through cooperation.

The advice came when Kejriwal told the Home Minister about the difficulties being faced by the Delhi government in the wake of the ongoing tussle with LG Najeeb Jung over transfer and postings of bureaucrats, official sources said.

During the hour-long meeting, Kejriwal and Sisodia sought the Home Ministry’s cooperation in running the city government and conveyed to Singh that because of the constant tussle with the LG, smooth functioning of the administration has become tough.

The sources said Kejriwal asked the Home Minister to intervene and ensure that all issues with the LG are resolved amicably.

“The Home Minister gave them a patient hearing and assured full cooperation from the Central government,” a source said.

Kejriwal has been advised not to resort to confrontation and has been explained that rules framed by the Home Ministry were in accordance with the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, sources said.

Singh also asked Kejriwal to resolve all issues with the Centre and the LG amicably through cooperation as government can function only through rules, regulations and cooperation.

Sisodia told reporters, after the meeting, that they have raised all issues concerning <g data-gr-id="30">Delhi</g> but there is no outcome.

This is the first time Kejriwal has met the Home Minister since the tussle between the AAP government and the LG over the appointment of senior IAS officer Shakuntala Gamlin as acting Chief Secretary.

The AAP government has challenged in court a Home Ministry notification, which stated that the LG has the final say in <g data-gr-id="29">appointment</g> of senior bureaucrats.

There was also a tussle between the two over the appointment of officials to the state Anti-Corruption Branch.

Meanwhile, Kejriwal is expected to seek help from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for more power vis-a-vis Delhi Police. Delhi Police is under the Union Home Ministry, which posed problems for the Kejriwal government. TMC MPs Derek O’Brien and Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar are members of the parliamentary standing committee on home affairs, Kejriwal’s meeting with Banerjee in coming months could help him address concerns related to the Home Ministry.