Kejriwal backs Mamata over transfer of IPS officers; slams Centre's 'blatant interference'

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday backed his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee who is involved in a battle with Centre over transfer of 3 IPS officers. Taking to Twitter, Aam Ami Party leer who has faced a similar battle for years condemned Centre's "blatant interference" in ministration of West Bengal.

'Assault on federalism': Arvind Kejriwal

"Encroaching on rights of states by attempting to transfer police officers to Centre just before elections, is an assault on federalism and an attempt to destabilize," Kejriwal said. 

Centre-versus-Mamata Banerjee battle escalated on Thursday after Union Home Ministry sent ar letter to West Bengal Government to relieve three IPS officers for whom it h sought central deputation at earliest. Mamata Banerjee responded saying that she will t allow  "brazen attempt" by Centre to "control State machinery by proxy!"

On Thursday, MHA asked three IPS officers to report for Central deputation. Using powers under IPS Cre Rule 6(1), Ministry of Home Affairs has me a central deputation of three officers, sources said.  three officers are Inspector General (South Bengal) Rajeev Mishra, DIG (Presidency Range) Praveen Kumar Tripathi, and Diamond Harbour SP Bholanath Pandey. y were in-charge of BJP chief JP Nda’s security when his convoy was attacked on 10 December.

'Brazen attempt to control state machinery': Mamata

"GoI’s order of central deputation for 3 serving IPS officers of West Bengal despite State’s objection is a colourable exercise of power and blatant misuse of emergency provision of IPS Cre Rule 1954," Mamata Banerjee said in a tweet. In ar tweet, she said that this act is thing but a "deliberate attempt" to encroach upon State’s jurisdiction and demoralize serving officers in West Bengal.

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"This move, particularly before elections is against basic tenets of federal structure. It's unconstitutional and completely unacceptable," she said. "West Bengal is t going to cow-down in front of expansionist and undemocratic forces," she ded.

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Last week, MHA h summoned three IPS officers of West Bengal to serve in central deputation, days after alleged security lapses during BJP chief JP Nda's visit to state. In response to Union Ministry of Home Affairs' (MHA) call to send se three IPS officers from West Bengal for Central deputation, Mamata Banerjee government on Sunday said 'y can't spare se officials'.

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"Union Home Ministry has received a response from government of West Bengal on three IPS officials who were called for Central deputation. West Bengal government has said that y can't spare se officials for Central deputation," official told news ncy ANI.

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