‘Lean day’ ensures no run-ins between officials, Ministers

Five of seven Cabinet Ministers did not come to office

Officials said Wednesdays usually see ‘minimal interface’ between bureaucrats and Ministers.

In contrast to the commotion and tension witnessed at the Delhi Secretariat on Tuesday over the alleged attack on Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs, the office wore a relatively calm look on Wednesday.

Five of the seven Cabinet members, including Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, did not come in on Wednesday due to different reasons, reducing any potential for confrontation between the political and bureaucratic leaders of the Delhi government.

Out of the city

Though officials continued to speak out against the treatment of Mr. Prakash, who was allegedly assaulted by AAP MLAs inside the Chief Minister’s residence on Monday night, the day went off without any drama.

While Mr. Kejriwal was away in Tamil Nadu to attend the launch of actor Kamal Haasan’s political party, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Imran Hussain were the Cabinet members who attended meetings on Wednesday.

The Chief Secretary did come to his office in the morning and then left for a scheduled meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office at 3 p.m., said an official.

Medical leave

Labour and Employment Minister Gopal Rai was out of town for medical treatment and PWD and Health Minister Satyendar Jain was also out of Delhi for personal reasons, their respective offices said.

Transport and Law Minister Kailash Gahlot did not come in to the office on Wednesday, though he did take a meeting on Tuesday, said his office staff.

Social Welfare Minister Rajendra Pal Gautam did not come to the Secretariat as he was unwell, his staff said.

A senior officer pointed out that the day’s proceedings continued “without any unpleasantness” by default since Wednesdays are “usually a relaxed day with minimal interface” between officers and Ministers.

‘Real test on Monday’

“The biggest highlight of the day is mostly the Chief Minister and Lieutenant-Governor’s weekly review meeting. Review meetings within the government with Ministers presiding over them are rarely scheduled on Wednesday. The real test is expected beginning next week,” an official said.

Tuesday had seen officials protesting inside the Secretariat and there was an alleged attack on Environment Minister Imran Hussain and his aide Himanshu during the commotion.