Delhi Assembly resolution slams CS Prakash, demands his removal

Delhi Assembly today passed a resolution demanding immediate removal of Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash for allegedly blocking the CCTV camera project at the behest of the BJP, in a move likely to escalate the tension between the bureaucrats and the ruling AAP.

The AAP-dominated House resolved that installing CCTV cameras in Delhi was an urgent need for protection of women and children.

"This House condemns Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash, who appears to be acting on behalf of the BJP government at the Centre, for blocking the CCTV project and his act appears to be a part of the conspiracy by the Opposition to further delay the CCTV project. This House demands that Anshu Prakash should immediately be removed from the post of chief secretary, Delhi," said the resolution passed by the assembly.

The resolution was moved by AAP legislator Alka Lamba.

It also sought a detailed examination of the reasons for delay in implementing the CCTV camera project that was given in-principle approval by Delhi government in October 2015, by a House committee.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia alleged that the chief secretary was working as a "BJP agent" to block the project, passed by Delhi Cabinet today.

Sisodia's attack on Prakash came after the chief secretary in a note viewed "there should be no undue haste" in considering the CCTV project.

"The note of chief secretary is devoid of any merit. The Council considers CS note, rejects it and warns him to desist from such conduct in future," the Cabinet responded.

The move by Delhi Assembly comes close on the heels of a confrontation involving Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot and secretary-cum-commissioner Varsha Joshi, over procurement of buses.

The tussle between the bureaucrats and the AAP dispensation had flared up with an alleged assault on Prakash during a late-night meeting at Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence in February this year.