Former chief minister Sheila Dikshit said Delhi government did not pre-empt a health crisis.
Congress today joined the blame game for Delhi's worsening health crisis as number of chikungunya and dengue deaths rose to 15. Former chief minister Sheila Dikshit said it was the state government's responsibility after the AAP government blamed Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung and BJP-ruled civic bodies for the uncontrolled spread of mosquito-borne diseases.
"It's an excuse for what you have not been able to do," the senior Congress leader told NDTV, adding, "In this case, what is happening is that the you are resorting to a blame game because you didn't do anything to pre-empt or prevent this kind of an outbreak."
Ms Dikshit said it was the Delhi government's responsibility to go to whoever is needed in order to prevent a health crisis. She claimed that during Congress's 15-year regime, the Delhi government had put in place a protocol where the chief minister headed a meeting of all authorities - municipal corporations, health department, Lt Governor's representative and the Army - to deal with any health emergency.
"When you are in government, you talk with everyone. You are not in Opposition," Ms Dikshit said.
The Congress leader also defended the LG's rights after the AAP blamed Mr Jung of being busy examining orders passed by the Delhi government.
"He has some responsibilities and every file goes to him like every file of Government of India goes to the President of India. If you are going to be in conflict all," she said.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda accused the Delhi government of not taking enough preventive measures to avoid the outbreak despite being offered advice and help by the centre.
"Delhi government has not shown seriousness. We have given them all support. Chief Minister (Arvind Kejriwal) and many ministers are out of city. Elected government has to take responsibility," he said yesterday.
That was in reference to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's tweet this morning in which he said, "CM n min left wid no power now, even to buy a pen. LG n PM enjoy all powers wrt Del. LG abroad. Question them for Del (sic)."