Aam Aadmi Party spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar.
– Photo: Amar Ujala
Expansion
The Supreme Court, while giving a historic decision on May 11, has handed over the authority of transfer-posting of administrative officers of Delhi to the Chief Minister of Delhi. Due to this, there is a possibility of a big change in the politics of Delhi. On this issue, our correspondent met AAP spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar and discussed these issues in detail. Presenting the main parts of the conversation-
Question- How is the Aam Aadmi Party looking at the decision of the Supreme Court?
Answer- The decision of the Supreme Court has proved that democracy is alive in the country. When we formed the government in 2013, a few months after that, on May 23, 2015, the services of Delhi were taken away from us. Even if we wanted to, we were not able to engage qualified officers in public works, nor were we able to remove incompetent officers from their places. But now qualified officers will be posted at good places and unfit officers will be removed. No deficiency in public service will be accepted.
The people of Delhi have seen how some officers, at the behest of the Centre, obstructed the work of the Arvind Kejriwal government in public interest. Every worker of Aam Aadmi Party is grateful to the decision of the Supreme Court, who has given a historic decision and proved that governments working for the public cannot be stopped. The truth is that in 2018 itself, the court had given a decision in our favor, but only because of the stubbornness of the central government, the matter remained pending till now.
Question- Now that the decision of the Central Government has come according to you, what changes can be seen in Delhi?
Answer- Our Chief Minister has already said that after the decision of the Supreme Court, the services of the public will be speeded up. Till now our works which were being stopped, now we will be able to take decisions on them fast. Till now we did not have the right to appoint even a peon, whereas it was being said that we are not recruiting teachers-principals. But now we will take swift decisions and show how to serve the public. We are fully demonstrating this in Punjab, now even the people of Delhi will not have to face discrimination.
Question- But even after this decision, important departments related to police and land are going to remain with the Lieutenant Governor through the Centre. In such a situation, has the possibility of conflict completely ended?
Answer- The situation has become very clear after the Supreme Court’s decision came out. We would request the Central Government to make some changes in the law in Parliament and also hand over the responsibility of Delhi Police to Arvind Kejriwal. Till now Delhi has not become safe for women and children. But we promise that if the responsibility of Delhi Police also comes to us, then we will show the police system by making it international level.
Question- What will be the priority of the Delhi government after this decision?
Answer- The Chief Minister immediately held a meeting with his cabinet to review the situation after the Supreme Court’s decision. He has also decided his priorities and has indicated the same. At the present stage, we can only tell you that public interest is our biggest priority. The works which were stuck till now due to the obstruction of the Central Government, will be done first. We will show Delhi by making it among the best cities in the world.
Question- Will the effect of Delhi’s work be seen on the upcoming election strategy of the Aam Aadmi Party? What kind of change can be seen?
Answer- See, our entire politics has been based on doing better for the people. By providing free electricity, water, transport and online services to the public, we have proved that a good governance can be given without corruption. It is clear that when our work will be discussed in the whole country, then the party will get its benefit. But our priority is the interest of the public, politics is an afterthought. We believe that if we work for the benefit of the public, the public will bless us. We are moving ahead on this belief of ours.
