GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 29th Feb. A heated exchange of words unfolded between Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) V K Saxena and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday regarding the implementation of a one-time settlement scheme for inflated water bills, with both officials trading accusations and expressing dissatisfaction over the handling of the issue.
In an ‘open letter’ addressed to Chief Minister Kejriwal, LG V K Saxena dismissed the AAP government’s allegations of stalling the proposed scheme as “white lies.”
He asserted that not a single document regarding the scheme was brought to his attention, emphasizing that departments involved in the scheme, including water, finance, and urban development, fall under the chief minister’s jurisdiction.
The LG’s letter, posted by the Raj Niwas, urged the chief minister to take responsibility for decisions and refrain from blaming others. Saxena questioned why only a portion of consumers would benefit from the scheme, suggesting that all 27 lakh consumers should receive relief. He also demanded the return of ₹13,186 crore collected from 17 lakh consumers since 2012, with interest.
Furthermore, Saxena objected to a resolution passed by the Delhi Assembly implying direct control of the LG by the BJP, calling it “unacceptable and irresponsible.” He accused the chief minister and his ministers of peddling a false narrative that the scheme was stalled by him, labeling their statements as “white lies” and part of an “abuse and scoot game.”
In response, Chief Minister Kejriwal expressed disappointment with the language used in the LG’s letter, emphasizing the need for respectful communication between constitutional functionaries. He alleged that officers under LG’s control were creating a constitutional crisis by not bringing proposals to the Council of Ministers as directed.
Kejriwal urged the LG to take exemplary action against erring officers and ensure the smooth functioning of governance for the benefit of Delhi’s people.
