Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday made a passionate plea to the central government to keep the political differences aside and cooperate his government in dealing with the dengue crisis in the capital.
Responding to the LG’s letter that instructed civil servants to defy the ‘illegal orders’ of Delhi government, Kejriwal said, “In his order to IAS officers, LG says that the Central Govt has asked him to do so. Delhi is going through a Dengue crisis and we are tackling it. Request Central Govt to cooperate right now and fight later.”
Kejriwal added, “I’m requesting Prime Minister Modiji and the central government with folded hands. Delhi is going through a crisis of dengue. All our ministers, government servants are visiting hospitals everyday to help aam janta. I don’t know the motive behind this letter. My entire energy is right now going towards helping the people of Delhi. Request the central government to help us.”
On Thursday, Delhi’s lieutenant governor had written to bureaucrats in Delhi government directing them not to obey what it said was ‘illegal orders’ of the elected government in the capital.
The letter dated 17 September said, “Government of India has taken note of the current constitutional position of Delhi and major instances of violations of the constitutions, laws and rules such changes in the pay structure of DANICS officers, constitution of the so-called Commission of Inquiry etc. Government of India has declared these decisions/orders of the GNCT of Delhi viz change in pay structure DANICS officers, constitution of Commission of Inquiry to inquire into the allegations regarding the award of work related to CNG Fitness Certificate as illegal and ab initio void.”
The letter goes on to instruct all principal secretaries, secretaries, head of departments and other officers to not follow the orders by the Delhi government as this would be faced with disciplinary actions.