The BJP’s true motives were exposed on Saturday regarding the issue of reinstating bus marshals. Despite loud claims, the BJP never intended to help the marshals regain their jobs; they only sought to play politics over the livelihoods of thousands of innocent bus marshals. Reacting to the issue, AAP National Convenor and Former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, “I am proud of my ministers and MLAs who are willing to go to any extent, even falling at someone’s feet, to get the work done for the people. I appeal to the LG and BJP to stop playing politics and immediately reinstate the bus marshals.”
Earlier this morning, CM Atishi held a meeting with BJP MLAs at the Delhi Secretariat to discuss the bus marshals’ issue. The AAP government convened a cabinet meeting and passed a proposal to reinstate all bus marshals. Since only the LG has the authority to finalize such matters, CM Atishi, along with cabinet ministers and AAP MLAs, proceeded to the LG House to present the proposal for approval. AAP leaders invited the BJP MLAs to join them, but the BJP legislators refused.
In an earnest attempt to persuade them, Cabinet Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj held the feet of BJP MLA Vijender Gupta, pleading with him to go with the delegation to resolve the matter. CM Atishi also sat in Gupta’s car, determined to take him to the LG House. After much reluctance, the BJP MLAs finally agreed to go.
However, once at the LG House, the BJP MLAs made no effort to advocate for the reinstatement of the bus marshals. BJP MLAs also attempted to abandon the meeting halfway, but AAP ministers and bus marshals blocked them, ensuring they reached the LG’s residence. To make matters worse, BJP’s Vijender Gupta attempted to slip away unnoticed, but the bus marshals spotted him and surrounded him. Unable to face the situation, Gupta fled back inside the LG’s residence.
Only CM Atishi and BJP MLAs were allowed inside LG House
Upon arrival at the LG House, only CM Atishi and the BJP MLAs were allowed entry, which AAP MLAs opposed, citing concerns over protocol and security of the CM. However, despite their objections, the meeting proceeded without any AAP representatives apart from the CM present there.
Bus Marshals demand immediate reinstatement or LG’s resignation
Frustrated by the continued delays, bus marshals demanded that the LG sign the reinstatement order immediately or resign from his post.
“If the LG can’t perform his duty and approve our reinstatement, he should step down. Ten thousand of us are waiting for our livelihoods to be restored, but the LG is sitting comfortably, ignoring our plight,” said one bus marshal.
The AAP government remains committed to ensuring the swift reinstatement of the bus marshals and urges the LG to take immediate action, without further delay or political interference.