Narendra Modi-led government interested in controlling postings and transfers of babus: Manish Sisodia

NEW DELHI: Day after Delhi lieutenant-governor Najeeb Jung reasserted his authority in the tussle with Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal over control on bureaucrats, deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia alleged the Centre was interested in controlling the ‘industry of postings and transfers of babus’ and the latest flashpoint had nothing to do with following the ‘Constitution’.

Speaking with reporters early on Thursday, Sisodia claimed that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government had stopped the illicit ‘industry’ of transfer postings and that was the reason why there was opposition to it.

"Transfer postings became an industry in Delhi and we stopped that, that’s why people are opposing us. I can confidently say that relations between all officials and ministers are very cordial and constructive," Manish Sisodia said.

Sisodia’s comments came on a day when Opposition BJP’s leader in the state assembly, Vijender Gupta, met President Pranab Mukherjee and asked him to intervene in the "major constitutional crisis" in the Capital. Gupta’s meeting also followed some AAP leaders’ comments concerning the ‘transfer postings’ industry earlier in the day, which showed the new party line on the contentious issue.

Aam Aadmi Party spokesperson Ashutosh tweeted in angst, claiming to explain the reason why the ‘ Modi government’ was interested in keeping the right to transfer officials. "It is a milliondollar industry & major source of corruption. Lakhs of rupees are paid as bribe to get a lucrative posting and money is distributed top to bottom. Everybody has a share," Ashutosh alleged.

While it was speculated that Najeeb Jung may send a response to Arvind Kejriwal’s letter asking for specific provisions in the GNCT Act, 1992, Transaction of Business rules 1993 and Constitution which were invoked by the former to ‘issue directions’ to the Delhi government, L-G secretariat was tightlipped about it. No official statement was released, either.