Prez didn’t invite MLAs

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 14

AAP legislator Saurabh Bhardwaj today asked President Ram Nath Kovind the reasons for "not inviting Delhi MLAs" to the 'At-Home' function at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the occasion of the Independence Day and Republic Day adding that "national events should be above politics".

Bhardwaj claimed Kovind has discontinued the country's tradition saying that his precedessor Pranab Mukherjee always invited Delhi MLAs to the 'At-Home' function at Rashtrapati Bhavan on both the occasions.

It is understood that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been invited for the celebrations tomorrow, the invitation for which has been received by his protocol division.

"We MLAs of Delhi were always invited by all Presidents before Kovind Ji. After Kovind ji became President, 3 decade old tradition has been stopped. Inviting CM or Leader of Opposition is all together different thing. Why are Delhi MLAs being humiliated ?" Bhardwaj tweeted.

"Where is my invitation sir ? It's my Country's Independence Day. It's about democratic & federal traditions of my Nation. It's a national event. Should be kept above party politics," he underlined.

Violet Line to start at 4.30 am

Metro services will start at 4.30 am tomorrow on the Violet Line to facilitate movement of people who wish to attend the celebrations at the Red Fort and the nearest Metro station is Lal Quila.

The Violet Line of the DMRC Escorts Mujesar in Faridabad to Kashmere Gate in Old Delhi.

“The first passenger service will start from Escorts Mujesar at 4.30 am and trains will be available at a frequency of 15 minutes till 6 am, and then services will be resumed as per normal time table,” read the DMRC statement.

There would be additional ticket counters at the Lal Quila and Jama Masjid Metro stations for commuters at Lal Quila station tomorrow along with additional staff for guiding people after the event.

Baijal extends greetings

LG Anil Baijal today extended heartiest greetings ahead of the country’s 72nd Independence Day.

Baijal said, “As we commemorate our nation’s Independence today, let us remember and pay homage to the sacrifices of those who laid their lives to deliver freedom to us.”