End to impasse in sight; Sena supports Delhi CM

On the eighth day of his protest at the Lieutenant Governor’s office, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal received support from NDA partner Shiv Sena, even as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government and

NEW DELHI: On the eighth day of his protest at the Lieutenant Governor’s office, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal received support from NDA partner Shiv Sena, even as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government and IAS officers expressed readiness for talks to end the impasse.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who was on a hunger strike since June 13 at the L-G’s office, was hospitalised after his health deteriorated. On Sunday night, Health Minister Satyendar Jain, who was also on a hunger strike, was hospitalised after his condition deteriorated. Now, only Kejriwal and his minister Gopal Rai are at the L-G’s office in protest against an undeclared strike by IAS officers in the Delhi administration.

Sisodia on Monday wrote to L-G Anil Baijal, requesting him to call a meeting of AAP ministers and the bureaucrats to resolve the issue. On Sunday, Kejriwal had assured the officers he would ensure their safety and security.

The officers on Monday welcomed Kejriwal’s assurance and said they were ready for talks with the chief minister on the matter.

Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray on Monday called up Kejriwal, party spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut told media persons in Mumbai. “The agitation started by Kejriwal is unique. He has right to work for Delhi as he represents the elected government of Delhi and hence Uddhavji spoke to him and extended support to him,” Raut said.

“Whatever is happening to Kejriwal is not good for democracy”, he said. The Samajwadi Party also extended its support to the Delhi CM, with its Rajya Sabha MP Ram Gopal Yadav visiting the two hospitalised ministers.

After meeting Sisodia and Jain, Yadav said, “A chief minister is on dharna and nobody is ready to talk. This is happening for the first time in the history of democracy.”

Rahul slams Modi, AAP; Sanjay retorts

New Delhi: The Congress accused the AAP and BJP of being involved in “dharna politics”. Congress president Rahul Gandhi tweeted, “Delhi CM, sitting in dharna at LG office. BJP sitting in dharna at CM residence. Delhi bureaucrats addressing Press conferences.
PM turns a blind eye to the anarchy; rather nudges chaos and disorder. People of Delhi are the victims, as this drama plays out.” AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh in return attacked Rahul for criticising Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and said he was speaking “language of BJP”.

Related Stories

No stories found.
The New Indian Express
www.newindianexpress.com