NEW DELHI: Relations between the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government and Narendra Modi-led Centre have collapsed. So much so that strict instructions have been issued to Union Ministers not to meet anyone from the AAP government unless the Delhi Chief Minister tendered an unconditional apology for his offensive tweet against the Prime Minister.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu, who has the best working relationship with Kejriwal, was given the task of conveying the message to the CM. It’s said the mercurial Kejriwal shares the best equation with Naidu, as most of Delhi’s land and urban infrastructure is controlled by the Urban Development Ministry which the latter also heads. Kejriwal has had several run-ins with other Central Ministers.
Sources said Naidu advised Kejriwal to not only apologise for using ‘unparliamentary’ language against the PM, but also immediately delete the objectionable tweet. It was also conveyed to the Delhi CM that he will remain persona non grata until he withdraws.