People want governance not controversies: Jaitley to AAP

He further asked the party to realise its responsibilities as it came to power with a historic mandate

As the confrontation between Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Lt Governor Najeeb Jung peaks, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today said people's experiment with AAP has turned out to be "very costly" and asked the party to realise its responsibilities as it came to power with a historic mandate.

"The people of Delhi experimented with a new party in the elections, but it is a very costly experiment because governance is not their political agenda," Jaitley said.

He was speaking at Delhi BJP's Executive Committee meeting. In an apparent reference to various controversies surrounding the AAP government, particularly the tussle between Kejriwal and Jung, Jaitley said people of Delhi want governance and the ruling dispensation must understand it.

"Whatever is happening in Delhi in last few months, it seems coming days may be be painful. The AAP government came following a huge mandate. They should understand their responsibilities. People want governance and not controversy. So they should understand their responsibilities and fulfil people's expectations," he said.

Jaitley said Delhi could have been turned into a global city as it has great opportunities for business and tourism.

The confrontation over appointment of Shakuntala Gamlin as acting chief secretary of Delhi had turned into a full-blown war between the ruling AAP and Jung with Kejriwal alleging that the LG was trying to take over the administration.

Despite Kejriwal's strong opposition, Jung had appointed her to the post on Friday.

The AAP government yesterday directed all its officials to apprise the Chief Minister or Minister concerned about any oral or written direction from the LG or his office before following them.

The LG has also hardened his stand maintaining that he was the main authority in dealing with transfers and postings of senior bureaucrats. The BJP has been severely critical of AAP government.