DANICS and IAS associations in Delhi full fledged B teams of BJP: Arvind Kejriwal

Facing revolt over Delhi government's decision to suspend two senior officers, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday claimed that "DANICS and IAS associations in Delhi have become full fledged B teams of BJP."

He also claimed that the officers are working on the directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung who are using them as a shield to attack the Delhi government. "LG personally attended DANICS association meeting yesterday through speaker phone. LG in turn was in touch with Nripendra Misra in PMO,"he said.

Hitting out at the officers for going on leave in protest against the government's decision, Kejriwal said, "People will be very happy if these officers go on long leave. Government ready to give paid leave. Governance will become honest, smooth and efficient."

Asserting that the government will take an action against the officers, he said that they will not tolerate corruption and insubordination. "Government exploring all options against officers who are on leave today. Government will not tolerate corruption and insubordination. Time has come to replace bureaucrats with professionals and sector experts. Infuse fresh energy n ideas in governance," he tweeted.

As per sources, DANICS officers had applied for the leaves in their individual capacity. They said that they were unhappy with the situation as they are getting caught between the devil and deep sea. "We are on symbolic one day protest leave. We will be joining work on Friday," the DANICS officers said.

Earlier in the day, the Ministry of Home Affairs had overturned the Delhi government's order to suspend two DANICS-cadre officers.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has claimed that there is conspiracy behind over 200 officers taking mass leave on Thursday. Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain cried foul over the officers' decision to approach Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung instead of speaking to Kejriwal.

The officers are protesting against the Delhi government's decision to suspend two senior civil service officers of the Home Department for refusing to sign a file pertaining to the Cabinet decision to increase salary of public prosecutors. Following the government's decision, around 200 DANICS-cadre officers have taken mass leave on Thursday to show their solidarity with the officers. As per sources, even IAS officers attached to the Delhi government have taken half-day leave in protest.

Special Secretary (Prosecution) Yashpal Garg and Special Secretary (Prisons) Subhash Chandra are the officers who have been suspended.

The Kejriwal government's decision may lead to fresh tussle with the Centre as only the Delhi Lt Governor can suspend DANICS-cadre officers with permission from the Union Home Ministry.