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 moved out of Delhi in 2022 after he emptied Delhi government-run Thyagraj Stadium to walk his dog, has returned to Delhi as the new MCD Commissioner. This development has raised eyebrows among many, with some questioning the decision to bring back an officer who was previously shunted out for his alleged high-handed behavior.
According to a notification by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Khirwar has been appointed as the new Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). This move has sparked controversy, with many taking to social media to express their outrage and disappointment over the decision. The notification has been met with widespread criticism, with many questioning the wisdom of appointing an officer with a questionable track record to such a crucial position.
For those who may not be aware, Khirwar was at the center of a controversy in 2022 when he allegedly emptied the Thyagraj Stadium, a Delhi government-run facility, to walk his dog. Athletes who were training at the stadium at the time had alleged that they were asked to wrap up their training earlier than usual that day, so that Khirwar could walk his dog on the stadium’s grounds. This incident had sparked widespread outrage, with many condemning Khirwar’s behavior as an abuse of power.
At the time, Khirwar was serving as the Principal Secretary (Revenue) in the Delhi government. However, following the controversy, he was shunted out of Delhi and posted to another department. The move was seen as a attempt to distance the government from the controversy and to placate public opinion.
However, with Khirwar’s return to Delhi as the new MCD Commissioner, it seems that the government has given him a clean chit and has chosen to overlook his past behavior. This has raised questions about the government’s commitment to accountability and transparency, with many wondering why an officer with a questionable track record has been given such a crucial responsibility.
The MCD is one of the largest municipal corporations in India, responsible for providing a wide range of civic services to the citizens of Delhi. The Commissioner of the MCD is a key position, responsible for overseeing the functioning of the corporation and ensuring that it delivers on its mandate. Given the importance of this position, it is surprising that the government has chosen to appoint an officer with a history of controversy to this role.
Khirwar’s appointment has also raised questions about the government’s priorities and values. At a time when the government is talking about promoting transparency and accountability, the appointment of an officer with a questionable track record seems to be at odds with these values. It also raises questions about the government’s commitment to promoting a culture of accountability and responsibility within the bureaucracy.
The controversy surrounding Khirwar’s appointment is also likely to have implications for the athletes who were affected by his behavior in 2022. Many of these athletes had spoken out against Khirwar’s behavior at the time, and had demanded action against him. With Khirwar’s return to Delhi as the new MCD Commissioner, it is likely that these athletes will once again be forced to confront the consequences of his behavior.
In conclusion, the appointment of Sanjeev Khirwar as the new MCD Commissioner is a shocking development that has raised eyebrows among many. Given his past behavior and the controversy surrounding him, it is surprising that the government has chosen to appoint him to such a crucial position. This move has sparked outrage and criticism, with many questioning the government’s priorities and values. As the new Commissioner of the MCD, Khirwar will have a significant impact on the functioning of the corporation and the delivery of civic services to the citizens of Delhi. It remains to be seen how he will use this opportunity to redeem himself and prove his critics wrong.