Delhi Approves 10,000 Bus Marshals' Appointment as BJP MLAs Skip Meeting with LG Vinay Saxena

Oct 5, 2024, 08:00 AM

The Delhi government has passed a cabinet note for the appointment of bus marshals amid a political standoff between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). A resolution was passed in the Delhi Assembly on September 26, signed by both AAP and BJP MLAs, agreeing to meet Lieutenant Governor Vinay Saxena on October 3 to discuss the reinstatement of 10,000 bus marshals. However, AAP leaders, including Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj and Chief Minister Atishi Marlena, allege that BJP MLAs did not attend the scheduled meeting with the LG. During a cabinet meeting, CM Atishi Marlena announced that the cabinet note for appointing marshals would be signed on the spot and sent to the LG. BJP MLAs reportedly refused to accompany the AAP MLAs to the LG's office and attempted to leave the meeting. Bus marshals, demanding that BJP MLAs fulfill their commitment, stopped them from leaving and insisted that they go to the LG. The encounter led to a ruckus during the meeting, with marshals expressing frustration over the BJP's actions. AAP leaders accuse the BJP of deceiving 10,000 bus marshals by reneging on their promise to support their reinstatement. Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj criticized the BJP for not honoring their commitment, stating, "The BJP was exposed yesterday, and its true colors came to light." The Delhi government plans to send the cabinet note to the LG for approval; however, tensions remain high as BJP MLAs have refused to participate in the process, which revolves around the LG's authority over services, transfers, and making the bus marshals' jobs permanent.