I was never called for any G20 meetings, says Delhi PWD minister Atishi
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New Delhi: Delhi PWD Minister Atishi has responded to allegations made by Lt Governor VK Saxena regarding AAP ministers' attendance at G20 preparatory meetings.
She dismissed these claims and emphasised that the Delhi government's involvement in preparations could have yielded better results. Atishi disclosed that the AAP government had requested Rs 927 crore from the Centre for G20 preparations but did not receive any funding. She emphasised that the present moment is not suitable for a credit war, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts.
"This is not the time to say this is their work or this is our work. It is a matter of pride for the country that we are hosting the G20 Summit. I feel that if we work together, it will be good for the country," she told PTI. "Till date, the Centre has not not given us a single penny for G20. We didn't make it an issue thinking it will reflect poorly on our country. The BJP and the LG are saying they have done everything. This shows their arrogance," she added.
As the G20 Summit approaches, a political dispute has emerged in Delhi, with the BJP asserting that the Centre was responsible for the preparations, while the AAP contradicts these assertions.
Earlier, LG VK Saxena stated that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal attended one G20 meeting, after which no AAP ministers were present. He expressed the belief that collaboration was essential.
Atishi countered this statement, expressing surprise and clarifying that she was never invited to any meetings or inspections related to G20 preparations. She added that officers would inform them of meetings, and they would grant permission accordingly. She affirmed that they had made full efforts, including horticulture work and branding.
"It is very surprising he is saying this. As the PWD minister, I was never called for any meetings or inspections. He didn't call the mayor during meetings or inspection of MCD areas. Had he called, I would have definitely gone. Officers would tell us about the meetings and we would give them permission. I was never invited for any meetings or inspection. We have made full efforts. All our officers have been on the job," said the Delhi minister.
Regarding the controversy over the installation of 'Shivling'-shaped fountains, Atishi explained that this occurred in an area under the Delhi Cantonment Board, which is under the Centre's jurisdiction. She criticised the LG's response to the situation, stating that acknowledging the mistake and apologising would have been a more appropriate course of action.
"All the money was spent by NHAI and supervised by the LG. Your road, your money, your work but if something goes wrong, it is PWD's fault. When he committed a mistake by getting the fountains installed and hurting the religious sentiments of people, he could have just gone and apologised saying it was not intentional. At that time, doing a turnaround and saying it is PWD's fault shows the narrow-mindedness," she added.