The slugfest goes on
AAP and the L-G must work on a mechanism to address issues before they become bones of political contention
Delhi tops the list as the most unsafe city in India for women and children , rain paralyses many parts of the city, sanitation operations have more or less collapsed. These are just a few of the problems that the Capital needs to deal with though its administrators seem far more interested in tripping each other up. The latest face-off between the Lieutenant Governor and the AAP government has been triggered off because the former has transferred some bureaucrats and ordered a probe into 400 files cleared by the Delhi government. This has set off a reaction in the AAP ranks with chief minister Arvind Kejriwal saying that the prime minister himself, through the L-G, is bent on destroying Delhi. It must be asked why systems are not in place to ensure that matters relating to these fields run smoothly irrespective of who is transferred or not. This sounds very much like the government trying to shirk its own responsibilities.
The Delhi high court has clearly stated that the L-G is the administrative head of the city. In which case, he has to address the problem of crime which comes under the Centre. It is upto him to also ensure that the three-member panel he has constituted to examine the 400 files finishes its task within the promised time frame. The battle between the Delhi government and the L-G has been going on ever since it assumed office. Things seem to be going from bad to worse with very little effort made by either side to sit down and resolve things. This is clearly not what the people of Delhi signed up for when they gave the AAP an enormous mandate. The people cannot be held hostage to the endless squabbles between the two.
AAP has to accept the fact that the L-G has a right to transfer officials and examine files. It would smooth things over a bit if he were to consult the government. Surely a mechanism can be worked out to address tricky issues before they become bones of political contention. The Capital cannot afford to let things drift as the quality of life for many citizens deteriorates by the day.