Chandigarh: Arvind Kejriwal’s meeting with Punjab police on Monday, apparently in the absence of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has sparked a big controversy, with the opposition Congress accusing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief of exercising “remote control” weeks after the party’s election victory.
In the meeting, Arvind Kejriwal, the Delhi Chief Minister, reportedly met with top officials from the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), as well as the state’s Chief Secretary and Secretary, Power.
“IAS officers summoned by Arvind Kejriwal in CM Bhagwant Mann’s absence. This exposes the de-facto CM and Delhi remote control. Clear breach of federalism, insult to Punjabi pride. Both must clarify (sic),” tweeted former Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu.
Former Chief Minister Amarinder Singh alleged that the “worst had happened” and that Arvind Kejriwal “has taken over Punjab” long before expected.
“Worst was feared, worst happened. Arvind Kejriwal has taken over Punjab much before it was expected to happen. That Bhagwant Mann is a rubber stamp was a foregone conclusion already, now Kejriwal has proved it right by chairing Punjab officers’ meeting in Delhi,” tweeted Mr Singh.
While Mr Kejriwal or top AAP leaders have yet to respond to the criticism, a party spokesperson justified the meeting and said the opposition “should support” constructive steps for Punjab.
“Mr Kejriwal is our national convener. We always take his guidance. If for some constructive step and betterment of Punjab, an informal meeting was held, then opposition should not criticise it, but rather support it,” AAP spokesperson Malwinder Singh Kang told reporters.
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