Stepped in to get Delhi ready for G20 as AAP govt didn’t: L-G

“I called the first meeting regarding G20, the CM was present, the ministers were also there and we decided what was to be done. But nothing moved after that. It is fine. I am doing ekla cholo (walk alone)… My vision is to see Delhi as a beautiful city. It is the National Capital, it should be beautiful,” he said.

Saxena said if the face of the capital could be transformed for the better in just two months, much more could have been done to revamp it had the AAP government worked hard enough over the last nine years.

“In whatever time we have, I am working very very hard. It is my duty, because I am heading the government… The elected government has a different mindset and approach. Everyone has their own style of functioning. I am working in a different manner, they are working in a different manner,” the L-G said.

Responding to the L-G’s statement, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said less efforts would have been required to prepare Delhi adequately had the Municipal Corporation of Delhi worked more effectively during the Bharatiya Janata Party’s 15-year tenure.

“It is the duty of MCD to clean Delhi. We are all working very hard since we took over MCD. MCD employees have now started getting their salaries on time after 13 years. They are all motivated. They are working very hard. Let’s not underestimate their efforts. At a time when we all are gearing up to receive international guests, let’s not do blame game and let’s all work as a team,” the CM tweeted.

Seeking to lay the blame for lack of a united front for the event at the Delhi government’s doorstep and emphasising that there was no conflict between the two administrative entities in the capital from his end, the L-G said there was “no choice” when it came to creating a cleaner and more beautiful Delhi irrespective of who led the bid to do so.

Cooperation was required from both ends, Saxena said, adding that a clear chain of command and delivering on directions to execute assigned projects was necessary even if it required one to walk alone.

“If you have to clean Delhi and make it greener, you simply have to do it. You have no choice…the National Highways Authority of India, Central Public Works Department, the Indian Air Force and the Archaeological Survey of India are not under me, but they are all working in tandem, under one umbrella. They are getting commands and are executing them. A leader has to lead from the front,” he said.

“…I am doing my job. I will, however, say that it was their job. The L-G is not required to do such work but I am doing it and I am happy. I have no regrets…,” he said.

Stressing he had an “excellent” relationship with Kejriwal – at least from his point of view – the L-G batted for resolving issues that cropped up as part of routine administration and blamed his “political compulsions” for making it appear as if they were in conflict.

“I have no grudge against him…I am doing what has been assigned to me… I have no hesitation in saying that he has his own political compulsions… Maybe he has to make it seem like we are fighting with each other. He is a politician, I am not,” he said.

With an estimated expenditure of over Rs 100 crore by just two of the main executing agencies leading Delhi’s revamp for the Summit – the New Delhi Municipal Council and the Public Works Department (PWD) – Saxena said assets being created as part of it would be maintained forever and not be forgotten after the event because Delhi deserved better.

The L-G added that he and the CM had spoken regarding issues related to preparations and there was no space for politics when it came to development work aimed at the facelift of the capital no matter who got the credit for it.

“…my project is to beautify and clean the city. From September 16 onward, I will start work on this with the same speed and vigour, with the same team. I have to beautify the city. This city deserves better… Last month, we spoke about PWD files related to pending road work…He got them cleared. I said why look at this from a political angle, this is for the city,” L-G Saxena said.

“…why do things, which should happen as per routine, require special requests… I am very clear in my mind. There should be no politics when it comes to development…What we are doing is not a fight about credit or debit. I believe that Delhi and its people deserve a neat, clean and a beautiful city. If someone gets satisfaction from claiming credit, I have no objection,” he said.