Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The ongoing power tussle between the Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) took a new turn as Home Minister Kailash Gahlot was appointed to hoist the national flag at the Delhi government’s Independence Day celebrations. The decision comes in the wake of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s absence due to his incarceration in connection with the alleged liquor policy case.
Typically, the Chief Minister would lead the celebrations, but with Mr. Kejriwal behind bars, he had nominated Education Minister Atishi to perform the duties. However, this directive was swiftly rejected by Mr. Saxena, who declared Mr. Kejriwal’s decision “invalid” and instead selected Mr. Gahlot.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the LG’s office justified the nomination, citing the Home Department’s responsibility for the ceremonial march-past parade following the flag hoisting, a role overseen by the Delhi Police. “In view of the above, Lieutenant Governor is pleased to nominate Home Minister Kailash Gahlot to unfurl the national flag at the state-level Independence Day celebrations,” the statement read.
This decision has reignited tensions between the AAP and the LG, with the ruling party accusing Mr. Saxena of engaging in “petty politics.” Former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, recently released on bail, criticized the move, contrasting the administration’s handling of Mr. Kejriwal’s letter with its treatment of a conman’s correspondence.
The jail authorities further fueled the controversy by deeming Mr. Kejriwal’s letter an “abuse of privileges” under the Delhi Prison Rules, advising the Chief Minister to refrain from such actions or risk having his privileges curtailed.
As the AAP and Mr. Saxena continue their standoff, the rejection of Atishi’s nomination for flag hoisting has become yet another flashpoint in the ongoing battle for authority in the national capital.
