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. A notification by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has confirmed Khirwar’s appointment, leaving many to wonder about the reasoning behind this decision.
For those who may not be aware, Khirwar was Delhi’s Principal Secretary (Revenue) in 2022 when the incident occurred. Athletes who were training at the Thyagraj Stadium alleged that they were asked to wrap up their training earlier than usual so that Khirwar could walk his dog inside the stadium. The incident sparked outrage, with many criticizing Khirwar’s actions as an abuse of power. As a result, Khirwar was moved out of Delhi, and it seemed that his career had taken a hit.
However, it appears that Khirwar’s career has not been affected as much as one would have thought. His appointment as the MCD Commissioner is a significant one, and it raises questions about the government’s priorities and its commitment to accountability. The MCD is responsible for providing various civic services to the people of Delhi, including sanitation, transportation, and healthcare. As the Commissioner, Khirwar will be responsible for overseeing the functioning of the MCD and ensuring that these services are delivered efficiently.
The fact that Khirwar has been given such a significant responsibility, despite his past actions, has raised eyebrows. Many are wondering what prompted the government to appoint him to this position, especially given the controversy surrounding him. Some have argued that Khirwar’s appointment is a sign of the government’s lack of commitment to accountability and its willingness to overlook the actions of its officials, as long as they are loyal to the party in power.
On the other hand, some have defended Khirwar’s appointment, arguing that he is a capable and experienced officer who deserves a second chance. They point out that Khirwar has a proven track record of administrative experience and that his past actions should not be held against him. However, this argument is not convincing, given the nature of the incident and the fact that Khirwar’s actions were seen as an abuse of power.
The incident at the Thyagraj Stadium was not just about Khirwar walking his dog; it was about the fact that he used his official position to disrupt the training of athletes who were preparing for important competitions. It was about the fact that he showed a blatant disregard for the needs and rights of others, and that he used his power to get what he wanted, without any regard for the consequences.
In a country where corruption and abuse of power are rampant, incidents like these are a reminder of the need for accountability and transparency in government. The fact that Khirwar has been appointed as the MCD Commissioner, despite his past actions, is a setback for those who are fighting for accountability and transparency in government.
As the MCD Commissioner, Khirwar will have a significant impact on the lives of the people of Delhi. He will be responsible for ensuring that the MCD provides efficient and effective services to the people, and that it is accountable to the public. However, given his past actions, it is difficult to have faith in his ability to do so.
In conclusion, the appointment of Sanjeev Khirwar as the MCD Commissioner is a surprising and disturbing development. It raises questions about the government’s priorities and its commitment to accountability, and it is a reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in government. As the people of Delhi, we deserve better than an official who has shown a blatant disregard for the needs and rights of others. We deserve an official who is committed to serving the public interest, and who will work tirelessly to ensure that the MCD provides efficient and effective services to the people.