Kejriwal creating controversies to divert attention from AAP's failures: Venkaiah Naidu

New Delhi: With the turf war between Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Lieutenant General Najeeb Jung escalating, Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu claimed that the Delhi CM is creating the uproar only to hide his own government's failures.

"Why are you raking up unnecessary controversies? That is because he wants to hide his failures. By making political controversies, he wants to divert the attention of the people," Naidu said adding that instead of getting into this tussle, he should concentrate on governance.

While Kejriwal has been alleging that the ongoing crisis in Delhi has the backing of the central government, Naidu rubbished his claims. "The Centre has no role in this. The duties and responsibilities of the CM and the Governor are clear in the Constitution. This is an unnecessary issue raised by the Delhi government. The Centre is no where in picture," he said.

Backing the L-G, Naidu said that Jung's stand has been right. "Somebody is floating the rules of the Constitution. The L-G is duty bound to protect the Constitution and rules. I don't see anything wrong in the part of L-G," he said.

Both the sides are claiming to have the power and authority over the other to choose bureaucrats and have approached President Pranab Mukherjee over the issue. Jung on Wednesday also stayed all orders issued by Delhi government related to postings and transfer of officers without consulting him.

The Lt Governor wrote to Kejriwal, mentioning his "constitutional power" to appoint and transfer bureaucrats. In the letter, the Jung challenged AAP government's order to bureaucrats not to follow his directives without getting approval from the Chief Minister or any other minister.

Even as the war continues, Home Minister Rajnath Singh met President Pranab Mukherjee but said no discussion was held on the Delhi issue. "The Lt Governor and Chief Minister should find a solution to this issue. Both should sit together and resolve the issue," he said.

Government sources said the Centre has refused to intervene saying it is simply an ego clash between Kejriwal and Jung.

Sources added that the Attorney General has given his opinion to the L-G and Rajnath Singh apprised the President of the same. The President has sought legal opinion on the issue after he had separate meetings with both Kejriwal and Jung on Tuesday.