Kejriwal Says PM Modi Behind Delhi Officers’ Strike, Asks If Democracy Is Safe In His Hands

Jun 17, 2018, 13:53 IST

Arvind Kejriwal, who is continuing his sit-in protest at Lt Governors (L-G) house, on Sunday charged Prime Minister Narendra Modi of encouraging IAS officers strike in order to stop the working machinery of Delhi.

Questioning if democracy is safe in the hands of such a PM, Kejriwal tweeted (translated from Hindi): "Is democracy safe in the hands of such a PM who is behind bureaucrats' strike to stop the work of the state [Delhi]."Kejriwal has also written two letters to PM Modi seeking his intervention to end the IAS officers' strike.

Good morning Delhi

जो प्रधान मंत्री किसी राज्य में अफ़सरों की हड़ताल करवा के वहाँ का काम काज ठप करता है, क्या ऐसे प्रधान मंत्री के हाथों में देश का लोकतंत्र सुरक्षित है?

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 17, 2018

Meanwhile, AAP would lead a massive protest march to the PM's office on Sunday evening.

The Delhiites will assemble at Mandi House at 4 pm and march to the PMO under the party banner to support CM Kejriwal.

On Saturday, four chief ministers from Opposition also lent their support to Delhi Chief Minister. TMC supremo and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee attended a meeting with Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy, Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu and Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan at Andhra Bhawan after they were not allowed to meet Kejriwal at L-G house.

Later in a tweet, Arvind Kejriwal thanked the four CMs for their support.

The people of Delhi will ever be grateful to you sirs @ncbn @vijayanpinarayi @hd_kumaraswamy and @MamataOfficial didi

We all will work together to save democracy. Thank u so much.

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 16, 2018

On denial of permission by the Lt Governor, Kejriwal tweeted: "I don't think LG can take such a decision on his own. Obviously, PMO has directed him to refuse permission. Just like IAS strike is being done at PMO's instance.

"We live in a democracy. Can PM deny CMs of other states to meet CM of another state? Raj Niwas is no one's personal property. It belongs to the people of India."

Why AAP is protesting?

AAP government wants L-G Anil Baijal to fulfil a trio of demands: First, end the IAS officers' 'strike'. Second, take "exemplary" action against officers who've "stalled work". Third, approve doorstep delivery of rations.

His two ministers Satyendar Jain and Manish Sisodia is also sitting on an indefinite hunger strike.

Meanwhile, BJP has also launched a counter-protest at the CM's office.

PTI