Goel writes to LG, expresses unhappiness over not getting

Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel, in a strongly-worded letter to the Lt Governor, claimed that his request for an appointment went unanswered, even as BJP legislators were given time to meet Anil Baijal whenever they requested.
Asking the L-G to "uphold the Constitution", Goel accused him of giving appointments to BJP legislators and ignoring the requests of ruling AAP MLAs.
The speaker said earlier this month, when his office sought time from the L-G - both over telephone and in writing - to wish him on the new year, there was "silence" from Raj Niwas.
"Finally, when I wrote to you on January 10 conveying my greetings to you, you were kind enough to reciprocate on January 23 in writing... I was certain that I would receive a word of regret in your reply for not being able to accommodate me for a few minutes in your busy schedule," Goel wrote in the letter.

Earlier in the day, Goel met President Ram Nath Kovind, which he termed as a courtesy call.
At a press conference later, the Delhi Assembly Speaker circulated the letter among mediapersons and said not giving an appointment to a person, who is holding the constitutional post, is "violation of Indian culture".

"Your Excellency (L-G) is busier than the President of India who was gracious in permitting me to pay my respects today (Wednesday) at Rastrapati Bhawan," he said.
Goel maintained that although he was not given an appointment, BJP's four MLAs were given time to meet the L-G whenever they requested.

He also alleged that BJP leaders were "getting guidance from a seasoned bureaucrat (Baijal)".
"Reports of MLAs, ministers and even the chief minister not being granted audience by Your Excellency are becoming more frequent. This is certainly not a sign of healthy democracy.
"Instead of allowing the petty-mindedness to prevail in Raj Niwas, if Your Excellency spares time for elected (AAP) MLAs and hear them out as and when requested, the current crises due to sealing being undertaken by MCDs would not have arisen," Goel said in letter.
He said the L-G was given the responsibility of upholding the Constitution and the Rule of Law, and not the interests of "a select few individuals" at whose behest he might have been chosen for this assignment.

"It is never too late for Your Excellency to realise the importance of the Constitution and rise above the thought of pleasing the masters and securing one more post-retirement assignment. For the holder of the Constitutional Office, the only way to command respect is to uphold the Constitution," Goel said.