New Delhi: Our self-styled VIPs don't see themselves at par with the common man. Joining this list is Delhi's Labour Minister Mangat Ram Singhal.
On Wednesday, the security of Delhi's Maurya Sheraton stopped him to check his car. He did what many so-called VIPs tend to do - fight, argue and try and stop ordinary folk from doing their job. And over the next three days, the hotel preferred by US presidents and others, was swamped by local government inspectors.
"Neither the health or food department is under my care, so how can I give them orders," is what the minister had to say. But the hotel staff had to suffer.
On Thursday evening, the inspectors from Labour Department, on Friday from Electrical Department and on Saturday the food inspectors visited the hotel. This, despite two staffers of Maurya met the minister and apologised for any inconvenience.
"If the department is being careful about all these things, then what's their headache? They are making unnecessary allegations against me to divert attention. This news about me harassing them is absolutely wrong. I was not even at Maurya on the mentioned day," Mangat Ram said.
Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit was informed about this who promptly called up Mangat Ram. And the inspections stopped instantly. But the Congress central leadership has demanded to know how he could be allowed to abuse his power.
His bosses aren't buying the minister's excuses. Yet, an internal inquiry is on. Meanwhile, Sheila Dikshit who had lunch at the Maurya Sheraton on Sunday wasn't checked because as chief minister, she's exempted.