AAP says 'all is not well in Delhi govt', slams circular restricting ministers, MLAs from summoning DMs

The circular said that district magistrates (DMs) are being frequently called by 'ministers or even MLAs' for meetings and inspections, which is impacting their ability to carry out core administrative and judicial functions.

New Delhi: AAP’s Delhi unit chief Saurabh Bharadwaj on Wednesday claimed that “all is not well in the Delhi government”, as he strongly objected to a revenue department circular that restricts ministers and MLAs from calling district magistrates for meetings or inspections without prior approval from the chief secretary.

There was no immediate response from the Delhi government or the BJP on the allegations.

The circular, issued by the Revenue Department with the approval of the minister concerned, said that district magistrates (DMs) are being frequently called by “ministers or even MLAs” for meetings and inspections, which is impacting their ability to carry out core administrative and judicial functions.

Addressing a press conference, Bharadwaj termed the language of the circular “derogatory”, especially the phrase “even MLAs”, and said it reflected disrespect towards elected representatives.

“The word 'even MLA' used in the order is derogatory. No one can become an MLA on their own — lakhs of people elect them. If an MLA cannot call the DM or SDM during an inspection, then who should they call?” the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader said.

He questioned the chief minister's role in the matter, saying, “In a government with only six ministers and one chief minister, such an order raises serious concerns.

"The CM should have asked her ministers (verbally) not to call officers frequently. Or does she think her ministers unnecessarily trouble DMs and SDMs?” “This order clearly shows that all is not well in the Delhi government. Public representatives are openly disrespected by this circular,” Bharadwaj alleged, adding that the move reflects a breakdown in coordination within the administration.

The circular outlined several advisory instructions, including that all departments must obtain prior concurrence from the chief secretary before involving DMs in meetings.

“According to protocol, an MLA is equal to the chief secretary and a minister’s protocol is even higher. Now, the minister has to ask the chief secretary to call a DM - this is absurd and clearly shows there is no coordination between the ministers and the chief minister,” Bharadwaj said.

The circular also advised giving at least a 48-hour notice for any such meetings, justifying the physical presence of the DM, and gave preference to virtual participation through video conferencing where feasible.

It suggested that departments coordinate among themselves to avoid repetitive meetings and instead hold consolidated sessions to prevent unnecessary duplication.