LG, CM Spar Over One-Time Settlement of Inflated Water Bills in Delhi

Delhi LG V K Saxena and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal exchanged open letters, accusing each other of stalling a proposed scheme for one-time settlement of inflated water bills. The LG claimed no official or unofficial communication about the scheme was brought to his attention, while Kejriwal criticized the language used in Saxenas letter.

In a war of words over the issue of one-time settlement of inflated water bills, Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) V K Saxena and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal exchanged open letters, accusing each other of stalling the proposed scheme and using offensive language.

LG Accuses AAP of White Lies

In his letter, LG Saxena refuted allegations made by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government that he and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were obstructing the scheme through concerned officers. He asserted that not a single piece of paper related to the scheme was officially or unofficially brought to his notice.

Saxena emphasized that water, finance, and urban development departments, which are involved in the scheme, are entirely under the control of the chief minister, and the LG has no role whatsoever.

LG Questions Scheme's Delay

The LG questioned the delay in presenting the scheme for his consideration. He pointed out that the scheme was approved by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) on January 13, 2023, but was sent for comments to the finance department only on January 25, 2024, after a gap of one year.

Saxena expressed concern over the minister concerned sending the file to the chief secretary as late as February 21, 2024, indicating that the scheme was still in the formulation stage and far from reaching finality.

Kejriwal Alleges LG's Interference

In his response, Chief Minister Kejriwal expressed deep pain over the language used by the LG in his letter. He asserted that such offensive language is unacceptable between constitutional functionaries.

Kejriwal maintained that the officers of the DJB, Urban Development Department, and Finance Department are creating a constitutional crisis by not bringing the proposal to the Council of Ministers, despite the directions of the minister in charge.

He claimed that the LG exercises all powers over officers, who respond to his directions whether given orally or in writing. Kejriwal cited multiple instances where matters of public interest were held up by officers, including the issue of water bills.

LG Urges Action Against Officers

The LG urged the chief minister to take exemplary action against at least one officer to send a message to the administrative machinery to fall in line. He emphasized the need to benefit all 27 lakh consumers, not just 10 lakh, and return the bills paid by 17 lakh honest consumers with interest.

Call for Cordial Working Relationship

Despite the differences, Kejriwal expressed hope for maintaining a cordial and constructive working relationship with the LG in the interest of Delhi's people. He requested the LG to address the concerns raised and take appropriate action to resolve the issue of inflated water bills.

The exchange of open letters between Delhi LG V K Saxena and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal highlights the ongoing conflict between the AAP government and the LG over the one-time settlement of inflated water bills. While the LG accuses the AAP of white lies and stalling the scheme, the chief minister alleges interference by the LG and inaction by officers.

The resolution of this issue is crucial for providing relief to lakhs of consumers who have been burdened with inflated water bills. It remains to be seen how the LG and the chief minister will work together to address this matter and ensure the welfare of Delhi's citizens.