Delhi rues power equation with central government

Admitting that there was lack of coordination between the central and the Delhi governments, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit Wednesday said her government has many responsibilities but without power.

"There is a lack of coordination between the state and central governments," Sheila Dikshit told a group of women journalists at the Indian Women Press Corps (IWPC).

"We have many responsibilities... but in many cases without power," she said.

"No other state has that kind of multiplicity as Delhi. For a piece of land, you have to go to the urban development ministry. We cannot even do something about a constable, because they are under the home ministry," the chief minister said.

She defended her attack on Delhi Police after the rape and death of a 23-year-old woman in December 2012.

"I thought I should voice what people feel. Though many people told me you have criticised the home ministry," she said. She added that no central government would be ready to part with the control over Delhi.

"Delhi is the national capital, so whichever government it is, will not be able to part with... (it). No state government can take responsibility of the VVIPs and diplomatic areas," she added.