I only said I will quit before polls

Any which way you look at it, the CM probably regrets having made such bold pronouncements on TV in a moment of weakness. The Capital continues to reel under civic dysfunction, shocking crime, power cuts and traffic chaos.

Even if his August 31 deadline is discounted, his submission — which he reiterated today — that he would resign “sometime before Delhi goes to the polls” too is of little significance. Polls are a scant ten weeks away and having presided over Delhi Inc as its CEO for the better part of the BJP’s five years in power here, he can scarcely be absolved of the charge of not doing enough.

“Actually, I do not have to meet these people (who come to me) whose problems ought to be tackled by local officials. But I meet them because I want to help in getting their work done,” the CM said.

“I work 18 hours a day just to meet people’s demands. I have done this all my life. I do not even have a house in my name. Does it merit that such negative reports are written about the effort I make?” Sahib Singh rued aloud today. “It is not that the officials do not listen to me. But when I take personal interest in a problem, it has a good effect on the officials,” he said.