Delhi: BJP appeals to MCD workers to end strike

A task force comprising machinery and manpower of the Delhi government’s Public Works Department (PWD) fanned out across the Capital to pick up garbage, which had been dumped by the striking workers of the three municipal corporations of Delhi protesting non-payment of salaries.

“Management of an organisation which can’t pay salaries to employees doesn’t (have the right) to continue”, he tweeted.

In view of the indefinite agitation called by MCD workers last week on January 27, North West district unit of Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) held massive agitations in Rohini on Sunday.

Earlier in October past year, the sanitation employees of East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) had gone on a strike with similar demands. Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, however, said around 80% of the garbage had been lifted from 248 dhalaos.

NDMC mayor Ravinder Gupta cited a letter by the municipal commissioner, saying the Delhi government was “falsely” claiming that it has given non-plan funds for payment of 12 months salaries to the municipal corporation employees. Where will we get more money from? They also want health benefits and a change in the structure of the municipal corporation.

“The BJP-led MCD is not capable of clearing the garbage and we will not allow the heaps of garbage in Delhi”.

Extending support to striking MCD workers demanding dues, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today hoped that “some solution” will emerge after the High Court hears the matter next week.

Sanitation workers staged protests in front of the residences of AAP ministers and MLAs across the city. “We requested him that Rs 5,000 crore is needed to clear the dues to the employees”, said Sanjay Gehlot, president of Swatantra Mazdoor Vikas Sanyukt Morcha.

On Saturday, scores of BJP workers also joined the protesters. When we asked them for the answers, they said they would only answer the CAG, ‘ he said.

“We are going to meet Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung on Monday afternoon to discuss the whole issue”, he said.

The civic body is divided into three zones, all three run by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).