New Delhi:
In an unprecedented move, four non-BJP chief ministers- West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy showed unity and backed their Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal who has been staging a sit-in at L-G Anil Baijal’s residence since Monday along with his ministers Manish Sisodia, Gopal Rai and Satyendra Jain.
The four CM’s had sought an appointment with the L-G. In the letter signed by the four chief ministers, they requested Anil Baijal, the Lieutenant Governer of Delhi to meet them at 9 pm with respect to issues concerning Kejriwal. However it was later learnt that Baijal was not in his office. “We were told that the LG is not at home. Our demand is very simple: Sort out the issue, let the elected government work,” Naidu told reporters.
We came here to express our support to Delhi CM @ArvindKejriwal. The
LG has to allow this government to function. We had asked permission from the LG to see the CM to which there was no response. pic.twitter.com/03KkIapwMt— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) June 16, 2018
Banerjee was earlier denied to meet Arvind Kejriwal. Reacting to it the Delhi CM tweeted , “I don’t think Hon’ble LG can take such a decision on his own. Obviously, PMO has directed him to refuse permission.” He also said, ” We live in a democracy. Can PM deny Hon’ble 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.”
We live in a democracy. Can PM deny Hon’ble CMs of other states to meet CM of another state? Raj Niwas is noone’s personal property. It belongs to the people of India. https://t.co/bB0w9OeDrV
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 16, 2018
The four chief ministers also went to Kejriwal’s residence and met his family members. During a joint press conference after meeting Kejriwal’s family members, Banerjee said there is a “consitutitional crisis” in Delhi and that the Prime Minister must intervene in the case.
The AAP leaders have received support not just from the people of Delhi, but also from several regional parties.
Kejriwal and his ministers are sitting at the office of Lt Governor demanding his direction to the IAS officers to end their “strike” and approve doorstep ration delivery scheme, since last Monday.
(IMAGE COURTESY: FACEBOOK/ CM OF KARNATAKA)