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 moved out of Delhi in 2022 after he emptied a Delhi government-run stadium to walk his dog, has returned to the city as the new Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) Commissioner. This development has raised eyebrows among many, as Khirwar’s previous actions had sparked controversy and outrage among athletes and citizens alike.
For those who may not be aware, the incident in question occurred in 2022, when Khirwar, who was then serving as Delhi’s Principal Secretary (Revenue), allegedly emptied the Thyagraj Stadium, a Delhi government-run facility, to walk his dog. Athletes who were training at the stadium at the time claimed that they were asked to wrap up their sessions earlier than usual to accommodate Khirwar’s unusual request. The incident sparked widespread criticism and outrage, with many questioning the misuse of power and the prioritization of personal interests over public needs.
As a result of the controversy, Khirwar was shunted out of Delhi, and many thought that his career had been derailed by the incident. However, it appears that Khirwar has managed to bounce back, and his appointment as the new MCD Commissioner has been confirmed by a notification from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
The notification, which has been made public, states that Khirwar will be taking over as the MCD Commissioner, effective immediately. This development has raised questions about the criteria used for selecting officials for key positions and the message that such appointments send to the public.
Many are wondering how an official who was embroiled in controversy just a year ago could be deemed fit to hold such a critical position. The MCD Commissioner is responsible for overseeing the functioning of the municipal corporation, which provides essential services to the citizens of Delhi. The commissioner’s role is crucial in ensuring that the city’s infrastructure, sanitation, and public health needs are met, and any perceived lack of accountability or integrity in the person holding this position could have significant implications.
Khirwar’s appointment has also sparked concerns about the signal that it sends to athletes and sports enthusiasts in the city. The Thyagraj Stadium incident had already created a sense of disillusionment among athletes, who felt that their needs and interests were being ignored in favor of those in power. The fact that Khirwar has been given a new lease on life as the MCD Commissioner may be seen as a slap in the face to these athletes, who may feel that their concerns have been disregarded.
It is also worth noting that Khirwar’s appointment comes at a time when the MCD is facing significant challenges, including a massive debt burden, inadequate waste management, and a lack of basic amenities in many parts of the city. The corporation needs a leader who can provide visionary leadership, inspire public trust, and work tirelessly to address the city’s pressing problems. Whether Khirwar is the right person for the job remains to be seen, but his controversial past certainly raises questions about his suitability for the position.
In conclusion, the appointment of Sanjeev Khirwar as the new MCD Commissioner has raised more questions than answers. While it is true that everyone deserves a second chance, the fact that Khirwar’s past actions sparked such widespread outrage and controversy cannot be ignored. As the city looks to the future, it is essential that its leaders are held to the highest standards of accountability, integrity, and transparency. Only time will tell if Khirwar will be able to redeem himself and prove his detractors wrong, but for now, his appointment remains a topic of debate and discussion.
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