Denmark summit a mayor-level meet, Kejriwal a CM: Centre clarifies

Explaining denial of political clearance of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for attending C40 Climate Summit in Denmark, Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar, on Wednesday, stated that he was denied as it was a 'mayor-level' event, at a press briefing after the cabinet meeting. He stated that a Bengal Minister was already allowed to attend the event. He also explained that there was a separate protocol for Chief Ministers when attending such events. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief was scheduled to leave for the summit in Copenhagen, Denmark, at 2 pm on Tuesday, according to PTI.

'Mayor-level conference': Centre

"This is a mayor-level conference and a Bengal minister is going to participate in it," Javadekar said at a press meet on cabinet announcements. He added that there was a separate protocol when political functionaries like chief ministers are invited. The Union Minister also announced a slew of cabinet-approved announcements. He announced a hike in DA, compensation to PoK refugees and farmer relief.

READ | Delhi CM Kejriwal denied political clearance for C40 Summit in Denmark

MEA denies clearance to Kejriwal, AAP slams Centre

Earlier on Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs had denied 'political clearance' to Kejriwal to attend the C40 Climate Summit in Copenhagen, Denmark. They had not revealed any reason while stating the same. Kejriwal was set to attend the event lasting from October 9 to 12. AAP leader Sanjay Singh alleged that the Narendra Modi-led Central government showed hostility towards the AAP regime in Delhi. He stated that Kejriwal was not going on holidays to Denmark.

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Kejriwal's clearance pending

According to reports, Kejriwal had sought permission from the MEA, as per standard protocol. The Chief Minister was set to lead an eight-member delegation for the summit. He was also scheduled to participate in a session on carbon emission and give the keynote address. Government sources have reported to PTI, that MEA has given clearance to West Bengal Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim on Monday to attend the summit.

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Kejriwal's role at C40 Summit 

Earlier on September 22, the Centre had stated that Kejriwal was expected to speak at the Summit on his government's experience in lowering air pollution in the city. He was scheduled to present the set of initiatives taken by the AAP dispensation that led to the 25 percent reduction in air pollution.  Apart from the carbon emission event, the Chief Minister was scheduled to speak at an event titled-  ‘Asian Mayors and City Leaders Meeting on Low Carbon Inclusive Growth’. On Monday, the Delhi government had expressed doubts about Kejriwal's attendance at the event as he was yet to receive clearance from the MEA.

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