In the PM-CM meet, PM Narendra Modi on Friday scolded Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal for breaking ‘protocol’ after which Kejriwal instantly expressed his regret and apologized. On Friday, PM Narendra Modi was chairing a high-level meeting with CMs of states where the COVID-19 impact is severe.

Background

PM Modi was conducting a meeting with 10 Chief Minister of states that are worst-hit by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting included Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, MP CM Shivraj Singh Chauhan, amongst others.

Also read: 25 “sickest patients” at Ganga Ram hospital dies in 24 hours; Lack of oxygen supply presumed

What happened during meeting

During the meeting, CM Kejriwal was seen on the national television telling PM Modi, “We should have a national plan against COVID-19, if there’s a national plan then the Centre and States can both work together in the same direction…”

Just then Prime Minister Modi, realizing that the meeting his being televised by Kejriwal scolded Kejriwal and said – “What is happening? This is strictly against our protocols. It has never happened before that a Chief Minister is live telecasting an in-house meeting between the Centre and states.”

Also read: Supreme Court asks Centre for “national plan” on oxygen supply, essential medicines and vaccination

“This is not appropriate. We should always have restraint,” PM further scolded Kejriwal

Even with the mask on, Prime Minister looked stern and sounded the same. To the chide, CM Kejriwal responded instantly saying, “Yes sir, will be careful in future.”

After waiting for a couple of seconds for a response from the Prime Minister, Kejriwal continued and said, “All the people who died due to the COVID-19, may their souls rest in peace.” The Aam Aadmi Party leader further folded his hands and said, “If I caused any inconvenience due to my conduct or if I said something that was hurtful, I want to apologize for that.”

No instruction given by the Central Government: CM’s Office

Later after the mishap, the Delhi Chief Minister’s office issued a statement which read, “Today, the Chief Minister’s address was shared live because there has never been any instruction, written or verbal, from the central government that the said interaction could not be shared live. There have been multiple occasions of similar interactions where matters of public importance which had no confidential information were shared live. However, if any inconvenience was caused, we highly regret that.”

What else did Kejriwal televised?

Kejriwal also televised him seeking for the Prime Minister and Centre’s support in Delhi’s fight to get more oxygen. “We are highly stressed due to the oxygen shortage. We are living with the fear that a big tragedy may occur due to lack of oxygen at a hospital and we would never be able to forgive ourselves for that.”

The Delhi CM then pleaded to the Prime Minister with his folded hands saying, “I request you with folded hands to direct all the Chief Ministers of the states to ensure that all states receive oxygen tankers without any hindrance and oxygen tankers can freely come to Delhi.”

“Who should I call if oxygen tankers are stalled?” Kejriwal to Modi

Further, Kejriwal also asked the Prime Minister whom should he talk to in the Central government when the city faces an emergency shortage of oxygen. “Please suggest whom should I call in the Central Government if an oxygen tanker that’s meant to come to Delhi is stopped in some other state?”

Also read: Centre Issues orders: States cannot hold up oxygen supplies of other states

“Oxygen tankers can be air lifted”: Kejriwal

Kejriwal in the meeting also suggested the Indian Prime Minister to take the help of Indian air force to airlift oxygen tankers from West Bengal and Odisha. CM Kejriwal also highlighted the power in the hands of PM Modi and said “Sir, please just make one phone call to the Chief Minister of the states where Oxygen is halted and it would be a great service to the state.”

“Take the help of Indian Army to accompany oxygen trucks”: Delhi CM

Kejriwal also urged the Prime Minister to issue an order which dictates that the oxygen tankers will be accompanied by a small group of men from Indian Army. This would ensure that the Oxygen tankers would be free to reach Delhi promptly.