IAS officer shunted for emptying stadium to walk dog returns to Delhi as MCD commissioner
In a shocking turn of events, IAS officer Sanjeev Khirwar, who was at the center of controversy in 2022 for emptying a Delhi government-run stadium to walk his dog, has returned to Delhi as the new Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) Commissioner. This development has raised eyebrows, given the circumstances under which he was moved out of the city earlier.
For those who may not recall, Khirwar was Delhi’s Principal Secretary (Revenue) in 2022 when the incident took place. Athletes who were training at the Thyagraj Stadium alleged that they were asked to wrap up their training sessions earlier than usual, as Khirwar wanted to walk his dog at the stadium. The athletes claimed that the stadium was emptied, and they were forced to leave the premises to accommodate Khirwar’s dog-walking plans.
The incident sparked widespread outrage, with many questioning the misuse of power by the IAS officer. The incident also highlighted the lack of facilities and resources for athletes in the city, who were already struggling to find suitable training venues. The fact that a high-ranking government official could empty a stadium to walk his dog only added to the sense of frustration and disillusionment among the athletes and the general public.
As a result of the controversy, Khirwar was moved out of Delhi, and it was widely assumed that his career had been derailed. However, it appears that he has managed to bounce back, and his new appointment as MCD Commissioner has been confirmed by a notification from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
The notification has raised questions about the criteria used to select officials for key positions in the government. Many are wondering how an officer who was involved in such a high-profile controversy could be entrusted with a key position like the MCD Commissioner. The MCD is responsible for providing essential services like sanitation, healthcare, and education to the residents of Delhi, and the Commissioner plays a crucial role in overseeing these functions.
Khirwar’s appointment has also sparked concerns about the message it sends to the public. If an officer who was accused of misusing his power can be reinstated to a key position, it undermines the faith of the public in the government’s ability to hold its officials accountable. It also raises questions about the lack of accountability within the government, where officials can get away with blatant misuse of power without facing any significant consequences.
Moreover, the appointment of Khirwar as MCD Commissioner has also raised concerns about the impact it could have on the athletes who were affected by his actions earlier. The athletes had alleged that they were forced to leave the stadium to accommodate Khirwar’s dog-walking plans, and it is unclear how they will react to his new appointment. Will they be able to access the same facilities and resources that they were earlier denied? Only time will tell.
In conclusion, the appointment of Sanjeev Khirwar as MCD Commissioner has raised more questions than answers. While it is unclear what the future holds for Khirwar in his new role, one thing is certain – his appointment has sparked a controversy that is unlikely to die down anytime soon. As the city of Delhi grapples with the challenges of providing essential services to its residents, the appointment of a controversial figure like Khirwar has only added to the sense of uncertainty and skepticism.
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