Tea, Pakoras And Diplomacy: Ajay Maken Recounts Shiela Dikshit's Legacy Amid Delhi Power Tussle

Amid Delhi government's tussle with Centre's over ordinance on the transfer and posting of bureaucrats in Delhi, Congress leader Ajay Maken on Sunday offered an advice to Arvind Kejriwal that he got from veteran leader Sheila Dikshit.

In his tweet titled "A Day with Sheila Ji: Reflecting Amidst Kejriwal's Current Power Chaos", Ajay Maken reflected on the leadership and wisdom of late former CM Sheila Dikshit.

"In the early 2000s, a historic shift was underway in Delhi. I was serving as the Transport, Power, and Tourism Minister under Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit Ji. We were spearheading a series of initiatives, from transitioning public transport to CNG, launching the Metro, to reforming the power department," Maken tweeted.

"One morning, I stumbled upon unsettling news. I read about the replacement of my Transport Commissioner, Sindhushree Khullar, I recall, concern lining my voice. In the midst of CNG conversion, her absence could be a roadblock. What if the new officer was a Diesel lobbyist?", he said.

"I voiced my concerns to Sheila Ji, "Madam, you've changed my Transport Commissioner. I'm finding out from the newspapers. This could jeopardize our CNG conversion project." She brushed it off initially, saying, "Who told you? Why get disturbed on the basis of rumors?", " he added.

"But soon, the rumors turned into reality. "You were right," she admitted, "I was not aware of this decision either. But don't worry, we'll challenge it. How can the LG make such a decision amidst our CNG conversion initiative?"," Maken tweeted.

"Fired up, we decided to meet the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. I remember her strategic advice. She told me, 'Be as forceful as possible, argue for the interest of Delhi. As I deal with the LG daily, you can be the forceful one, I will be the supportive referee,' she directed. Despite our passionate appeal, the L-G was unwavering. "I have my orders. I can't reverse this," he responded firmly," the former AICC general secretary said.

Dejected but determined, Sheila Ji called several senior Union Government officials, trying to influence the decision. "Unfortunately, by evening, the decision stood firm. My frustration prompted a proposal for a press conference to expose this politically driven obstruction. Sheila Ji, however, had a different strategy," he said.

Tea, Pakoras, and Diplomacy

With a gentle wave of her fingers, she advised, "No, no, no... Don't tell anyone about our failed attempt. Officers shouldn't know that we tried and couldn't succeed. If they find out, they might stop taking us seriously."

Maken said, she suggested inviting the newly appointed officer for a meeting over "tea and pakoras", conveying her delight with his appointment.

Her wisdom was profound. She continued, "Call the new officer. Tell him the CM is delighted with his appointment. Explain the importance of CNG conversion, and invite him for tea and pakoras. These officers are with no one. Tackle them skillfully."

Following her astute counsel, I found myself sharing tea and pakoras with the newly appointed officer, despite my initial reservations. "I told him, 'The Supreme Court is strictly monitoring our efforts to reduce air pollution. We need to implement CNG in Delhi,'" I recall.

"The turn of events was remarkable. The new officer understood the gravity of the situation. We stood united against various lobbies and earned accolades from the Supreme Court and even the US Government, I say with pride. We became the first city globally to fully convert its public transport system to CNG," Maken added.

Engage with officers respectfully: Maken to Kejriwal

Reflecting on those years, I firmly believe, "Sheila Dikshit Ji's government's first six years were the most productive phase. She fought not for power, but for the betterment of Delhi. Power privatization, CNG conversion, Metro launch, construction of flyovers, hospitals, schools - they all happened because she fought tirelessly for Delhi."

Her lessons of leadership and diplomacy continue to guide me, "She taught me to tackle obstacles skillfully, to serve with a clear focus on the city's welfare. To offer tea and pakodas when needed, and to stand firm when required. That's Sheila Ji's legacy, a guide to serving public interest above all else."

I hope the current Chief Minister takes note of this journey and learns from it.

"Engage with officers respectfully, hold dialogues, and persuade them for Delhi's advancement. They will certainly align with your vision if it's sincere," Maken said.

"Your past actions - summoning officers at ungodly hours, resorting to mistreatment and harsh words - are not constructive. It's crucial to recognise that such behavior only contributes to the city's distress," Maken advised Kejriwal.