Kejriwal, Sisodia meet Home Minister

New Delhi, Jun 15: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia today met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and discussed various issues concerning the state government, including the tussle with Lt Governor Najeeb Jung.

Sources said Kejriwal told the Home Minister about the difficulties being faced by the Delhi government in the wake of the ongoing tussle with the LG over transfer and postings of bureaucrats. During the hour-long meeting with Singh, Kejriwal and Sisodia sought the Home Ministry's cooperation in running the state government and conveyed that because of the constant tussle with the LG, smooth functioning of the administration has become tough.

Sources said Kejriwal asked the Home Minister to intervene and ensure that all issues with the LG are resolved amicably.

"The Home Minister gave them a patient hearing and assured full cooperation from the central government," a source said. The Chief Minister has been advised not to resort to confrontation and has been explained that rules framed by the Home Ministry were in accordance with the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, sources said.

Sisodia told reporters after the meeting that they have raised all issues concerning Delhi but there is no outcome. This is the first time Kejriwal has met the Home Minister since the tussle between the AAP government and the LG over the appointment of senior IAS officer Shakuntala Gamlin as acting Chief Secretary.

The AAP government has challenged in court a Home Ministry notification which said that the LG has the final say in appointment of senior bureaucrats. There was also a tussle between the two over the appointment of officials to the state Anti Corruption Branch.

PTI