The Hindu : New Delhi News : L-G toeing BJP line on circle rates: Sheila

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L-G toeing BJP line on circle rates: Sheila

Gaurav Vivek Bhatnagar

“If you want us to do well do not clip our wings, give us wings and space to fly''

“Interference in matters that come under Delhi”
“The issue relates to encroachment of rights”

NEW DELHI: Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Thursday launched a scathing attack on Lieutenant-Governor Tejendra Khanna in the Assembly for his handling of the circle rates issue. She was speaking on the motion demanding that Delhi be given full Statehood. The motion was later passed by voice vote.

The Chief Minister accused the Lieutenant-Governor of toeing the line of Opposition BJP on circle rates issue. “The noose around our neck is tightening,'' she said, adding that there is interference in matters such as transport, health and finance that come under Delhi Government alone.

“There is interference in all our issues. The Cabinet and the officials discussed the issue (of circle rates) and passed the proposal. But it was returned by the Lieutenant-Governor because a BJP delegation visited him. A letter was sent to the Chief Secretary and then an order was issued on the lines demanded by the BJP,'' Ms. Dikshit charged.

The Chief Minister said ideally whenever there is a difference of opinion between the Cabinet and the Lieutenant-Governor, the latter should either speak to the Chief Minister or the Minister concerned and resolve the issue.

“But even that does not happen. I need the support of all the members on the issue or else where is the need for giving an Assembly to Delhi.''

As for the changes sought in the circle rates, she said, “our eyes and ears are not closed but only the Cabinet or the Assembly has the right to change the Cabinet's decision. Even MLA Mukesh Sharma (who moved the motion) has asked for some changes and we will do it,'' she said, stating that there was always a correct way of doing things.

Claiming that the Planning Commission has often given more funds to Delhi Government for its role in providing good education, electricity, and ensuring wide roads and greenery, an agitated Ms. Dikshit said: “Who has done this? Can the Delhi Development Authority or L-G say that they have done it? Or is it the Municipal Corporation of Delhi? One building fell (in Lalita Park), 70 people died and no one came from MCD. The injured were taken to the Delhi Government hospitals and not Bara Hindu Rao (which is under MCD). And only my Ministers and I went to the spot, as also Prof. Malhotra and none else,'' she said.

“ Sabki daadi main tinka thaa'' (Everyone had a devious role to play in the incident), she asserted, and asked “when the building went up to five storeys what did the Centre see? Did the L-G see it?''

Claiming that the “matter was really serious'' as it was about encroachment of rights, the Chief Minister said whenever a problem took place due to either the Delhi Police, the MCD or the DDA, which were all under the Centre, it was the Delhi Government which was questioned by the people.

“We reply for the Delhi Police's fault when the issue of safety of women is raised. The DDA made the Games Village then why were we called in to save the situation? We had already done our work of stadia and street-scaping.''

“We can't work with irritants, can't work under duress. If there is a city worth living, it is Delhi. If you want us to do well, do not clip our wings, but give us the wings and space to fly.''

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