CM Arvind Kejriwal hits out at Centre over transfer of bureaucrats, babus caught in the middle

NEW DELHI: Bureaucrats have yet again landed in the middle of a fresh Centre-state tussle. Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal has hit out at the central government over the transfer of two senior bureaucrats as the step was taken without "consulting" the AAP government. The CM has shot off a letter to Union home minister Rajnath Singh expressing his annoyance and putting on record his views on the matter.

The Union home ministry has ordered the transfer of VAT commissioner Vijay Kumar and director of education Padmini Singla, both of whom are trusted by Kejriwal in handling key assignments. The CM expected Kumar to give shape to reforms in tax collection and bolster revenue in the current fiscal.

After the budget session in June, the then VAT commissioner Sanjeev Khirwar was replaced with Kumar. This was a sign of things to come as VAT is the primary source of income for the state. With a vast social welfare agenda, the AAP government considers it a focus area that needs a lot of attention.

Singla was steering deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia's education vision for schools. She was appointed as education director during the 49-day AAP government and this time round too the Kejriwal regime kept its trust in her efficient working style. She has been transferred to Goa.

Criticizing the move in a series of tweets, Kejriwal said, "Without consulting elected government, Modi government transfers two of our best officers out of Delhi, VAT commissioner and Director Education (sic)."

"Sends one of them to Lakshdweep. Ab to hadd hi ho gayee. Is this cooperative federalism (sic)?" he asked.

Vijay Kumar, who has also served as Delhi Jal Board CEO and food and supplies commissioner, has been appointed as the administrator (Lakshadweep administration), while H Rajesh Prasad, who is currently holding the post, has been transferred to Delhi.

A senior government official confirmed that the chief minister's tweets reflect the tenor of the letter written to home minister Rajnath Singh.

This issue comes in the backdrop of a turf war between Kejriwal and LG Najeeb Jung over several issues pertaining to jurisdiction in governance, including appointments and transfers of bureaucrats, with both sides claiming authority.