New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party accused Bharatiya Janata Party of planning a conspiracy that led to the "removal" of over 10,000 bus marshals from their jobs.
Delhi urban development minister Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged that BJP and LG orchestrated this move, undermining a critical safety initiative in DTC buses. "Despite the BJP's misleading claims, recruitment authority lies with LG," he stated.
Addressing a press conference at Delhi Secretariat, Bharadwaj claimed, "These young individuals were ensuring the safety of Delhi's women while commuting on public transport. However, under a conspiracy by BJP, they were abruptly removed from their roles by LG, appointed by BJP."
"For several months, BJP leaders deceived the bus marshals...Bus marshals would often tell AAP functionaries that BJP top functionaries assured them that if the cabinet ministers requested, LG would immediately reinstate them," he added.
Bharadwaj further stated that the issue was discussed at a meeting on Nov 5, and the meeting was video-recorded. "On that day, all the cabinet ministers signed a proposal and sent it to LG, but he took no action," he added.
"Ten days ago, all Delhi ministers again sent a proposal to LG, pointing out that his suggestion of framing a policy, creating recruitment rules, and establishing posts would take an unreasonably long time. Even the officials appointed by the LG's own administration have indicated that such measures are not feasible," the minister further stated.
Bharadwaj said that officers have acknowledged in writing that the responsibility for drafting a policy and managing the services of bus marshals falls under the jurisdiction of LG.
The minister further said, "We know this process will take several months, but it's evident that BJP wants to keep these bus marshals in a state of deception until the elections." "Ultimately, the truth is that they do not want to retain these individuals as bus marshals. This reality is clear to all of us," he alleged.
Bharadwaj said, "Whenever I meet bus marshals, I tell them clearly, ‘They are just deceiving you.' In response, on behalf of the entire cabinet, we wrote to LG, saying: ‘When you create the policy, you can proceed, but until then, the bus marshals should remain in their positions as before'."
BJP did not respond to the allegations.