IAS officer shunted for emptying stadium to walk dog returns to Delhi as MCD commissioner
In a surprising turn of events, IAS officer Sanjeev Khirwar, who was at the center of a 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 in the first place. A notification by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has confirmed Khirwar’s appointment as the MCD Commissioner, sparking debate and discussion among the public and media alike.
For those who may not be aware, the controversy surrounding Khirwar dates back to 2022, when he was serving as the Principal Secretary (Revenue) of the Delhi government. It was alleged that he had ordered the Thyagraj Stadium, a facility used by athletes for training, to be emptied so that he could walk his dog. The athletes who were using the stadium at the time claimed that they were asked to wrap up their training sessions earlier than usual to accommodate Khirwar’s request. This incident sparked outrage and criticism, with many questioning the abuse of power and the disregard for the needs of the athletes who were using the facility.
As a result of the controversy, Khirwar was shunted out of Delhi and transferred to another posting. However, it appears that he has now been brought back to the city and given a significant role as the MCD Commissioner. This move has raised questions about the decision-making process behind his appointment and whether he is the right person for the job.
The MCD Commissioner is a crucial position that requires strong leadership and administrative skills. The Commissioner is responsible for overseeing the functioning of the municipal corporation, which includes providing essential services such as sanitation, healthcare, and infrastructure development to the citizens of Delhi. Given the importance of this role, it is essential that the person appointed to this position has a proven track record of administrative expertise and a commitment to public service.
In light of the controversy surrounding Khirwar’s past actions, it is natural to wonder whether he possesses the necessary qualities to effectively discharge the duties of the MCD Commissioner. His actions in 2022, which were widely criticized as an abuse of power, raise concerns about his ability to prioritize the needs of the public over his own personal interests.
Moreover, the fact that Khirwar has been appointed to this position despite the controversy surrounding him has sparked allegations of favoritism and cronyism. Many are questioning why he was chosen for this role, given the availability of other qualified candidates who may not have had similar controversies in their past.
It is also worth noting that the appointment of Khirwar as MCD Commissioner has been met with criticism from various quarters, including athletes and sports personalities who were affected by his actions in 2022. They have expressed disappointment and frustration at the decision, citing the need for accountability and transparency in the appointment process.
In conclusion, the appointment of Sanjeev Khirwar as the MCD Commissioner has sparked controversy and debate, given the circumstances surrounding his past actions. While it is possible that he may have learned from his mistakes and is committed to serving the public interest, his appointment raises important questions about the decision-making process and the need for accountability and transparency in public administration.
As the city of Delhi looks to the MCD Commissioner to provide effective leadership and administration, it remains to be seen how Khirwar will respond to the challenges of this role and whether he will be able to overcome the controversies of his past. One thing is certain, however: the public will be watching his actions closely, and he will be expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to public service and accountability.
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