“The Delhi government did not require the centre’s approval for the implementation of the scheme, but it sought permission five times to avoid any dispute,” Mr Kejriwal said.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, a day after his government claimed that the central government blocked its plans to launch doorstep delivery of rations, today accused the centre of taking the step under the “influence” of the ration mafia, which he said has ensured that the “pro-poor and revolutionary scheme” does not get implemented in the national capital.
“Just two days before ‘Doorstep Delivery of Ration’ scheme’s implementation in Delhi, the central government stopped it. If pizza, burgers, smartphones and clothes can be delivered at home, then why can’t ration be delivered at their doorstep?” the Delhi CM asked.
“For the first time, a government had taken a step to check on ration mafia. See how powerful they (ration mafia) are, they got the scheme canceled just a week ahead of its implementation,” Mr Kejriwal said.
Mr Kejriwal, addressing a virtual press conference, also disputed the centre’s claim that his government did not take permission for the implementation of the scheme. “The Delhi government did not require the centre’s approval for the implementation of the scheme, but it sought permission five times to avoid any dispute,” Mr Kejriwal said.
The doorstep ration delivery scheme would have benefitted 72 lakh ration beneficiaries in the national capital, he stressed.
The AAP supremo also alleged that he centre was fighting with everyone, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Maharashtra, Delhi and Jharkhand governments, farmers and the people of Lakhsadweep.
“People are distressed that the central government is fighting everyone. If we fight like this, how will we tackle COVID-19. Let me implement the scheme, I will give full credit to you (Prime Minister Narendra Modi). Ration does not belong to AAP nor the BJP. People want to read that Modiji and Kejriwal helped deliver ration to poor. With folded hands, I on behalf of 70 lakh poor people in Delhi request you to let us implement the scheme,” he said.
As an independent media platform, we do not take advertisements from governments and corporate houses. It is you, our readers, who have supported us on our journey to do honest and unbiased journalism. Please contribute, so that we can continue to do the same in future.
