Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday rapped IAS officers’ association which had recently passed a resolution against against “misbehaviour” by political executives in the Delhi Government. He alleged that that the association has turned into a forum that only shields the corrupt and the inefficient.
Adressing a Press conference at his residence, Kejriwal accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of using lieutenant-Governor Najeeb Jung and bureaucrats as “pawns” to take revenge against the AAP Government.
He also accused the Prime Minister of shooting off from the shoulders of the l-G and the bureaucrats, saying, "Modiji does not do politics directly". The Chief Minister further alleged that the CBI and police are being used to threaten IAS officers.
Claiming that officials are being provoked to revolt against him, the Aam Aadmi Party chief also said, “They (IAS officers) are being threatened with ACB, police and CBI...I know who all are taking money. IAS officers are being forced to meet and speak out against the Delhi Government. The lieutenant-Governor is getting it done on the prodding of Prime Minister's Office (PMO)."
When asked what action he would take against the 'erring' officers, Kejriwal said they will "fall in line" once the Supreme Court gives power to the elected Government or the Anti-Corruption Branch comes under its jurisdiction.
It is noted that Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Wednesday warned IAS/DANICS officers to fall in line. "If they don't better get themselves posting outside of Delhi," Sisodia had said.
Accusing the Health Secretary of not showing up during a recent inspection in lNJP Hospital despite the orders, Kejriwal said strong action should be taken against him, so that no officer shows such “insensitivity” in the future.
He further said, “The IAS association has put a blot on the entire IAS service by shielding corrupt and inefficient officers. Have they ever discussed the hurdles put up by the l-G on mohalla clinics or unorganised coloniesIJ Have they discussed any issue concerning public interestIJ They have nothing to do with the public. They are content with their cars and bungalows. When I had joined the service, it was about serving the country. Stealing and defending it audaciously won’t be tolerated,” said Kejriwal, a former IRS officer.
The AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territory)-cadre IAS Officers Association and Danics Officers’ Association had jointly passed a resolution on 13 December against "misbehaviour" by political executives in the Delhi Government and urged to maintain a decorum.
The IAS officers’ association refused to respond on CM and his deputy’s statement. According an IAS officer, now they would raise collective voice against injustices of any kind by the political executives of Delhi Government meted out to them in discharge of their duties.
This isn't the first time Kejriwal and his Government has been accused of humiliating the officials. Back in 2015 during the Shakuntala Gamlin fiasco, after being removed as the principal secretary by Kejriwal, senior bureaucrat Anindo Majumdar was humiliated by being locked out of his office.