INDIA.Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the Centre to give clearance for his visit to Singapore for the “World Cities’ Summit”, due at the end of this month. “It is against the interest of the country to stop a Chief Minister from visiting such an important stage… This invitation is a matter of pride and honour for the country,” he wrote.
The matter was raised by Aam Aadmi Party during the All Party Meeting convened by the Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahalad Joshi, ahead of the Monsoon Session of the Parliament.
Kejriwal was invited to the World Cities Summit back in June by Singapore High Commissioner Simon Wong. Kejriwal had accepted the invite but is yet to get permission for the same from PM Narendra Modi.
Kejriwal also stated that he has been invited to this forum to represent the Delhi model of governance in front of the world leader. This is both an honour and a delightful opportunity for the country. The whole world wants to know about the Delhi Model.
“The invitation is a matter of pride for the country. Blocking a chief minister from attending such an event is against the interests of the country. Kindly grant permission as soon as possible so that I can make the nation proud during the event,” Kejriwal appealed to the prime minister.
“I thank the Singapore Government for inviting me to the World Cities Summit. I look forward to attending the summit and discussing urban solutions with global leaders. Singapore and Delhi can certainly work together towards achieving accelerated growth in public interest,” he had tweeted in June.
Kejriwal is to speak at the forum on August 01.
Although, Kejriwal had been denied permission to such a similar forum back in 2019. The reason cited for the same was that an Indian Chief Minister should not visit a forum meant for Mayors to participate.
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