Politicians named in notice to get fair chance: Dikshit

Politicians named in the Delhi High Court's notice on "selective demolitions" will be given a fair chance to explain themselves, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said today, even as she complained that there was "confusion" on the role of Delhi government in the entire issue.

"A proper procedure has to be followed. A fair system will be to give notices to the people concerned. Based on the replies, the MCD can either take action or present the replies to the court," Dikshit told reporters here. She said the government's stand on the issue was clear, that law must not be interfered with.

"The law must be implemented. The court should be explained as to why certain things are being done or are not being done," Dikshit said.

The chief minister, however, said there was confusion regarding her government's role in the entire matter.

"How did the (Delhi) urban development secretary come into the picture? He has got nothing to do with it. There is a lot of confusion in the minds of the people on what are the Delhi government's responsibilities in the matter and what is expected of us," Dikshit said.

She added that it was for the MCD to take action in the matter, adding that the urban development secretary together with the MCD would reply to the court. The high court has sought an action taken report on the illegal constructions belonging to politicians by January 31.

Following Delhi High Court's notice to the government and MCD on the illegal constructions of politicians being spared in the ongoing demolition drive, the chief minister yesterday held a series of meetings, including with Union Urban Development Minister S Jaipal Reddy and Municipal Commissioner A K Nigam.

Dikshit informed that she has spoken to the politicos concerned and told them that they would be receiving notices from the MCD. "They are responsible citizens and I am sure that they will reply with a sense of responsibility," she said.

Meanwhile, in the backdrop of the problem of largescale illegal constructions in the Capital and the High Court-ordered demolition drive, Dikshit reiterated her demand for full statehood for Delhi and trifurcation of MCD.

"I have been demanding splitting of the MCD so that it can work in a more effective manner. I have been asking for statehood of a special kind for Delhi so that we have more powers to fulfil people's expectations," Dikshit said.