Kejriwal’s televised appeal to PM Modi for oxygen sparks controversy
New Delhi: Prime Minister Modi today met with the Chief Ministers of the 10 states worst hit by the deadly second wave of Covid.
His conversation with Arvind Kejriwal sparked controversy as it went live on television without the prior knowledge of the PMO.
While Kejriwal talked about the oxygen crisis in the national capital during the conversation, the centre refuted his claims and accused him of “playing politics” by televising the conversation.
On twitter, some hailed it as a “bold move” by Kejriwal for putting pressure on the centre, others slammed it as “cheap antics”.
One user Abhijeet Dipke wrote, “CM Kejriwal knew what he was doing and he did it for the people of Delhi. He televised the conversation with PM to create political pressure on the Centre Govt who was ignoring the oxygen crisis for so long. A very bold move by AK.”
CM Kejriwal knew what he was doing and he did it for the people of Delhi.
He televised the conversation with PM to create political pressure on the Centre Govt who was ignoring the oxygen crisis for so long.
A very bold move by AK. 🙌🙌
— Abhijeet Dipke (@abhijeet_dipke) April 23, 2021
Journalist Megha Prasad wrote, “Complete breach of trust by #ArvindKejriwal, No Chief Minister has done this ever ! Kejriwal goes live from inside the PM-CM meeting, without any prior knowledge about this to the PMO or the PM himself. Indeed a new low ! #OxygenShortage #COVIDEmergency2021.”
Complete breach of trust by #ArvindKejriwal , No Chief Minister has done this ever ! Kejriwal goes live from inside the PM-CM meeting, without any prior knowledge about this to the PMO or the PM himself. Indeed a new low ! #OxygenShortage #COVIDEmergency2021
— Megha Prasad (@MeghaSPrasad) April 23, 2021
Delhi BJP chief Adesh Gupta alleged Kejrwal of playing politics and failing to provide any relief to the masses. “It is a shame that @ArvindKejriwal has stooped so low & is busy doing politics that he has forgotten about the people of Delhi. So disgraceful! Own up to the responsibility of being the Chief Minister or resign if you can not provide relief to the common man! #KejriwalFailsDelhi,” he said.
It is a shame that @ArvindKejriwal has stooped so low & is busy doing politics that he has forgotten about the people of Delhi. So disgraceful!
Own up to the responsibility of being the Chief Minister or resign if you can not provide relief to the common man!#KejriwalFailsDelhi https://t.co/dA9IeXQIrT
— Adesh Gupta (@adeshguptabjp) April 23, 2021
When PM learnt about the meeting being televised, he reminded Kejriwal of protocols breached by him. Kejriwal was then seen apologizing and regretting the move.
This is how PM @narendramodi reminded CM Kejriwal of the rules and norms and protocols breached by him by live broadcasting a private meeting and putting politics above pandemic
Shocking low pic.twitter.com/DfPhrC1ukA
— Shehzad Jai Hind (@Shehzad_Ind) April 23, 2021
During the meeting, Kejrwal said that there are apprehensions of a a big tragedy that may happen due to oxygen shortage. “I request you with folded hands to direct all CMs to ensure smooth movement of oxygen tankers coming to Delhi,” he said.
“Will people of Delhi not get oxygen if there is no oxygen-producing plant here? Please suggest whom should I speak to in the central government when an oxygen tanker meant for Delhi is stopped in another state,” he added.
