File Photo: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal
The Arvind Kejriwal led Delhi government today overruled an announcement made by Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) chief MK Meena about a new helpline number, and threatened to take legal action if any such announcements are made in the future.
Earlier in the day, Mr Meena said, "We have observed that for the past one month, no calls are being received on Anti-Corruption helpline number 1031 issued by the Delhi government. People were calling but calls were not directed to our office, so we've decided to issue new helpline numbers which will be received by our office."
A statement issued later by the Chief Minister's Office said, "Mr SS Yadav, IPS, is the Chief of ACB. Any decision regarding the ACB as its chief is to be taken by Mr Yadav only. The anti-corruption helpline 1031 stands as the helpline for all anti-corruption complaints in Delhi. No other helpline is working for this purpose. Any attempt to send out confusing statements on the anti-corruption helpline 1031 and statement on issuing new helpline numbers would be dealt with legally."
The Delhi government and Lieutenant Governor (LG) Najeeb Jung, who represents the Centre, have been involved in a bitter turf war over appointments of key officers. Mr Meena was selected by Mr Jung, while the AAP government chose Mr Yadav for the post. LG's office maintains that the post belongs to Mr Meena, who outranks Mr Yadav.
The statement also said, "Mr. Meena's statement on the helpline is sheer case of impersonation and the Delhi government will take action against him for the same. Mr. Meena, was posted at the ACB in an illegal manner at the behest of the Prime Minister to scuttle the anti-corruption drive of the Delhi government."
According to the government, Mr Meena has been asked to look after the work of training and monitoring of under trial cases for the moment.