Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Delhi unit chief Saurabh Bharadwaj has lambasted a Revenue Department circular that bars ministers and MLAs from summoning district magistrates (DMs) for meetings or inspections without the chief secretary’s approval, claiming it reveals deep dysfunction within the Delhi government. Speaking at a press conference, Bharadwaj called the directive “derogatory” and a sign that “all is not well” in the administration.

The circular, issued with the concerned minister’s approval, noted that frequent calls from “ministers or even MLAs” disrupt DMs’ core administrative and judicial duties. Bharadwaj took particular issue with the phrase “even MLAs,” arguing it disrespects elected representatives chosen by lakhs of voters. “If an MLA can’t call a DM or SDM during an inspection, who should they call?” he questioned, highlighting the absurdity of requiring ministers to seek the chief secretary’s permission.

Bharadwaj suggested the chief minister should have addressed the issue verbally with her six ministers rather than issuing a formal circular, questioning whether she believes her ministers unnecessarily trouble DMs. “This order shows a lack of coordination between the chief minister and her team,” he alleged, pointing to a breakdown in governance.

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The circular mandates a 48-hour notice for DM-involved meetings, prioritizes virtual participation via video conferencing, and urges departments to hold consolidated sessions to avoid repetitive engagements. Bharadwaj criticized these rules, noting that protocol equates an MLA to the chief secretary and places ministers higher, making the restrictions “absurd.”

Neither the Delhi government nor the BJP has responded to AAP’s allegations. The controversy underscores growing tensions within the administration, with AAP framing the circular as an affront to elected representatives and a symptom of deeper governance issues.

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