New Delhi, Oct. 11 -- A day after protests disrupted movement in the national capital, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday warned that attempts to inconvenience residents or damage public property in the name of demonstrations would not be tolerated, saying no one would be allowed to "hold Delhi hostage".
Gupta made the remarks after visiting Jhandewalan Temple on the first day of Sharadiya Navratri, where she offered prayers to Maa Bhagwati and sought happiness, peace, prosperity and good health for people in Delhi and across the country.
"Everyone has the right to express their views in a democracy, but inconveniencing the public, damaging public property and disrupting the normal order of the city in the name of protest are unacceptable," the Chief Minister said.
Taking aim at those she accused of placing their interests above the country's welfare, Gupta prayed that Maa Bhagwati would grant wisdom to people who, she said, were troubled by the nation's progress.
"The people of Delhi have nothing to do with those who cannot think about the country, work towards its interests or take pride in its progress," she said.
The Chief Minister said the Delhi government was committed to ensuring public safety, convenience and the smooth functioning of the city. She added that the government would take steps to prevent residents from facing unnecessary inconvenience.
"Attempts to hold the city hostage or damage public property will not be tolerated," Gupta said, reiterating that maintaining order and protecting the interests of Delhi residents remained the government's priorities.
Her remarks came amid the political debate over protests and their impact on public life in the capital.
Extending her Navratri greetings, Gupta said the festival conveyed the message of faith, devotion, strength and righteousness. She said the nine forms of Goddess Durga inspired people to practise courage, self-restraint, compassion and dharma.
The Chief Minister also expressed hope that "the festival would bring positivity and prosperity to every household and that Delhi and the country would continue to progress with the blessings of Maa Bhagwati."
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.