Delhi govt, IAS officers show signs of thaw; express readiness for talks

As Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's sit-in at the lieutenant governor's office entered the 8th day, the Delhi government and its IAS officers today showed signs of a thaw with both sides expressing their readiness for talks to end the impasse.

The development came on a day the Delhi High Court virtually disapproved of the sit-in led by Kejriwal and asked the AAP government who had authorised such a protest even as Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who was on a hunger strike since June 13 at the LG's office, was taken to hospital after his health deteriorated.

Later in the day, Sisodia wrote LG Anil Baijal requesting him to call a meeting between AAP ministers and the bureaucrats to resolve the issue. The chief minister had assured the officers yesterday he would ensure their safety and security.

The officers today welcomed Kejriwal's assurance about their safety, saying they are open to formal discussions with the chief minister on the matter.

After Sisodia's letter, Kejriwal tweeted, "I hope LG calls a meeting soonest to resolve this issue. (sic)."
Sisodia, in his letter to Baijal, said, "As the matter of security and services come under you, we want this meeting to be held under your chairmanship so that whatever assurance we will have to give, will give, and also, whatever comes under you, you give."
He also said, "I hope that you will call all stakeholders at the earliest and find a solution to this (impasse)."