In the run-up to the G20 Summit, which will see largest gathering from top leaders and delegates from across the world in the history of G20, streets and prominent public spaces in the national capital are being decked up with decorative lights, fountains, and hoardings in the national capital.Notably, this make-over has now turned into war of words between the Centre and the Delhi government ahead of the big-event G20 Summit which is scheduled for September 9 and 10 in the national capital. Taking a jibe at Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, Union Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakashi Lekhi, while acknowledging the efforts of the MCD and the PWD, said that AAP government cannot take all the credit for the facelift as it was missing in action.The tussle over the beautification of Delhi began, after Centre began arguing that Delhis Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena deserves credit for the face-lift of the city ahead of mega huddle, while on the other hand Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been commending PWD and MCD workers for the makeover.While talking to ANI, Meenakshi Lekhi said, “I was born and brought up here in Delhi and know the city better than most. Several areas in Delhi come within the territorial ambit of various ministries or authorities. Some fall under the cantonment board, which is run by the Ministry of Defence, while some others come under NDMC, which is run by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under the Road Transport Ministry, and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the PWD, which are under the Delhi government. Why did PWD and MCD officials and workers not work over the past several years It is because these authorities lacked proper direction as the leaders were busy with something else.”“What are they seeking credit for NDMC and Delhi Cantonment Board areas dont come under your (AAP governments) jurisdiction,” Lekhi added.#WATCH | On politicisation by the Delhi government, Union Minister Meenakashi Lekhi says, …On Delhi politics, I must mention a little & I have a very strong belief in God & that God gets you to do things that it wants…These people were claiming that they were the people who… pic.twitter.com/8yywV12otS— ANI (@ANI) September 3, 2023“The L-G, in a period of just 2 months, made all arrangements (for the G20 summit). Also, many sculptures and statues were installed through the CSR of companies. He took the onus on himself and played a leadership role because of which such arrangements could be made. These people (AAP leaders) are raising hue and cry to appropriate credit. These people could not construct a flyover for the people in 9-10 years and neither could they provide drinking water and sanitation for them,” she added.Lekhi also appreciated the workers of PWD and MCD for working round the clock to doll up the city for the mega event.Notably, the mega event, which India is hosting under its G20 Presidency, will draw dignitaries from 40 countries, including 20 member countries.
