'People's L-G': TS Sandhu uses Delhi Metro, interacts with commuters, street vendors
New Delhi, July 11
Taranjit Singh Sandhu once again donned the hat of "People's L-G" on Saturday, freely mingling with fellow commuters in Delhi Metro and seeking feedback from street vendors in Connaught Place in his push for people-centric governance.
Unlike his predecessors, Lieutenant Governor Sandhu has been meeting citizens on the streets in his trademark style, rewriting the rules of accessibility for the top-most constitutional functionary in the Delhi administration.
His interactions with the public, sans security curbs, have won the hearts of many since March, when he moved into the Lok Niwas, even as these exercises have helped him capture the pulse on the ground.
On Saturday, the Lieutenant Governor, dressed in smart denim jeans and a casual shirt, travelled in the Metro and shared a message about his public interaction on X. "On my way to Connaught Place today, I travelled by the Delhi Metro and had the opportunity to interact with fellow commuters along the journey," he said.
"Like before, it was an insightful experience - hearing directly about their daily commute, civic concerns, and aspirations for our city," he said.
"These conversations are an important reminder that effective governance is rooted in listening. Staying connected with the everyday experiences of our citizens helps ensure that our efforts remain responsive, people-centric, and focused on improving the quality of life for all," he wrote.
Apart from posting his photos with co-passengers in the Metro, the L-G also shared glimpses of his warm interaction with a street vendor near Palika Bazar in Central Delhi.
Sandhu's distinct style of collecting first-hand feedback from people on the street has been evident in his earlier outings as well.
Apart from his surprise visits to Chandni Chowk and the Delhi University area and adjoining areas to taste street food and public interaction, Sandhu, a former Ambassador to the US, won hearts in April by joining spectators at a cricket match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Dressed in a T-shirt of the Delhi Capitals IPL team, he joined thousands of cricket fans at the stadium in April and cheered the city's team.
As Sandhu occupied a seat in the public stands, without any security guards, his co-spectators clicked selfies with him and cheered the home team with him.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is refreshing to see. Sandhu ji is genuinely trying to break the barrier between officials and citizens. Talking to street vendors in Palika Bazar - that's where real feedback comes from. But actions need to follow these gestures, let's see if complaints actually get resolved.
As someone who lived in Delhi for work, this is a welcome change! In US, politicians do this all the time. Glad to see Indian officials adopting a more grassroots approach. He even wore Delhi Capitals t-shirt at the stadium - that's connecting with people on their level 👏
Good initiative but let's not get too carried away. L-G is a constitutional position, not a celebrity role. These photo ops are fine but what about the pending issues like waterlogging and pollution? Real governance happens in files and meetings, not just in Metro selfies. Hope he follows through.
This is the kind of leadership we need! Sandhu ji is showing that bureaucrats can be approachable. The way he interacted with street vendors shows respect for the informal economy. A former ambassador sitting with common people - that's real democracy in action 🇮🇳
"People's L-G" is a nice tagline but I hope he doesn't stop at just listening. The metro needs better last-mile connectivity, and street vendors need licenses and security. Love the gesture but let's see concrete results. Still, beats the old L-Gs who never left their air-conditioned offices!
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