AAP government not involved in G20 prep: Delhi L-G

NEW DELHI: Hitting out at the AAP government in the national capital, Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena on Saturday said that chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and his ministers attended only one meeting related to preparation for the upcoming G-20 summit.

In an exclusive interview with The Asian Age, Mr Saxena also said that despite the multiplicity of agencies, everyone worked together as a team to prepare the city to host the mega event and provide the best experience to the world leaders visiting to attend the G-20 summit.

When asked about the Kejriwal government's involvement in the preparations, Mr Saxena said, "They are not involved. The chief minister attended only one meeting."

Mr Saxena stated he is working on developing an infrastructure in Delhi that should be fully ready to host an event like the G-20 on a week's notice instead of preparing for months or years. "We will develop Delhi in such a way that any bigger events could be held here on a week's notice. We will ensure that the assets developed for the G-20 are well kept and maintained after the summit," he said.

On the controversy over "Shivling-shaped fountains", Mr Saxena said," It is their way of thinking. What they are calling Shivling is the imagination of the sculptor."

"It is a theme-based structure. Like a lion represents strength and a horse represents speed, the water coming from a fountain represents prosperity and peacefulness. It is fine if they see God in it, but I see it as a piece of art. I cannot comment on others' opinions. India is a country where it is believed that God exists in every particle, rivers are worshipped and rakhis are tied to trees. Today, our country is becoming prosperous and these statues have been installed as a symbolic gesture," the L-G added.