Controversial residential commissioner of New Maharashtra Sadan in New Delhi, Bipin Malik, was on Saturday transferred to the Labour and Employment department, which is directly attached to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). Although the Shiv Sena claimed it was punishment and demotion for Mr Malik, officials from the national capital argued he had been given an equivalent post.
Mr Malik first came into trouble when a Sena Member of Parliament raised the issue of his dismissal after he denied permission to the Ganesh festival at Maharashtra Sadan. The second time, Mr Malik was fired by Sena MPs who alleged poor quality services and food were being provided and demanded his immediate sacking. While the incident occurred in July last year and the Sena was firm on its demand, it took more than five months to actually remove Mr Malik from New Maharashtra Sadan.
On Saturday, Mr Malik was transferred to the Labour and Employment department as Joint Secretary.
“The claim that Mr Malik has been transferred with a demotion is baseless. The post of Resident Commissioner is equivalent to Joint Commissioner,” said a Delhi-based official.
Sena MP Vinayak Raut said the move was expected. “His transfer and demotion was expected as we were firm on our demand to sack him from New Maharashtra Sadan. Mr Malik denied permission to Ganesh festival and instead, permitted Odisha festival on the same premises,” said Mr Raut.
