Delhi Dy CM Writes to HM Shah Against LG’s Move on Hotels, Markets

The Delhi LG rejected the govt’s decision to allow normal functioning of hotels and weekly markets on a trial basis.

Spices on sale at a shop in Khari Baoli wholesale market near Chandni Chowk, in New Delhi. Image used for representational purpose.

(File Photo: IANS)

A day after Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal rejected the AAP government's decision to allow normal functioning of hotels and weekly markets on a trial basis under 'Unlock 3', Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia wrote to Home Minister Amit Shah, asking for immediate directions to be issued to the LG to overturn his decision, and allow hotels and such markets to function in the national capital.

"The Delhi government will again send a proposal on opening of hotels and weekly markets to the LG. I request you to ask the LG not to stop it," Sisodia told Home Minister Shah.

Official sources had told news agency PTI on Friday that the LG’s decision had been taken keeping in mind the “fragile” situation in Delhi, noting that the threat was far from over.

A day earlier, on 30 July, the Kejriwal government had decided to allow hotels to start functioning and allow markets to open on a trial format, with social distancing and all other precautionary measures in place due to COVID-19

Decreasing COVID-19 Cases in Delhi

On Saturday, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain reportedly said, "Hotels at places bordering Delhi, such as Noida, Ghaziabad and Haryana, are open. COVID-19 cases are decreasing in Delhi. However, in these places, cases are increasing. It would have been better if the LG would have given the permission."

The number of daily cases in Delhi has come down substantially over the last few days. From almost touching 4,000 in the latter half of June, the daily case count has been between the 1,000-1,200 mark in recent days, with the number of patients recovering or being discharged also exceeding the number of new cases on most days.

In the past, LG Baijal has reversed multiple decisions of the Kejriwal government. In June, LG Baijal had overruled the Delhi government’s order on reserving Delhi government hospitals and some private hospitals for residents of the national capital, stating that it violated constitutional rights.

(With inputs from PTI and ANI.)