New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday attacked the Centre saying it tried to wrest control of the capital's Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) as it feared that an FIR would be filed against a Union Cabinet Minister, but asserted that there was no such move.
The Chief Minister said he was told about such an apprehension by a number of senior Union Ministers and BJP leaders.
“Najeeb Jung changed the ACB chief on June 8 all of a sudden without informing me, secretly and without giving any reason. That's because they (Centre) thought we were going to lodge an FIR against a Cabinet Minister of which we had no intention,” Mr Kejriwal said.
The Chief Minister also reiterated his charge that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not letting his government work as the Lt Governor was being used to create hurdles in governance. “What has Jung got to do with me? Are there any property issues between us? Najeeb Jung does not have the courage to create trouble. Modi through Jung does not want Kejriwal to work,” he told the Aaj Tak channel
He alleged that for the past one month, “Delhi Police officials sent by Narendra Modi have been occupying the Home Department,” which is located above the Chief Minister's office.
“Secondly, paramilitary forces have taken over the ACB forcibly. How is (L K) Advani wrong in saying that an Emergency-like situation exists?” he asked. “They have passed an order saying they will appoint officials, from the chief secretary to peons. Then who will listen to the CM? This has never happened in the history of India. Orders are being given from the PMO and the BJP headquarters,” he added.
Talking about the AAP government's “constraints” in ensuring effective functioning of the ACB, he said, “If a Delhi Police 'thulla' seeks money from a street vendor, that is not acceptable. We will surely file a case against that.”
The BJP slammed the use of the word ‘thulla', slang for a policeman, while Police Commissioner B.S. Bassi also hinted his displeasure.
“I refuse to believe that the honourable Chief Minister would have used any word of this sort,” Mr Bassi said.
The CM slammed the appointment of M.K. Meena as the ACB chief. “Meena says that he was sent to ensure that we don't act against any Delhi Police officer,” he said and alleged that investigation in cases against several high profile people has been stopped.
