Conflict Deepens as Delhi LG Criticizes Kejriwal’s ‘Temporary CM’ Remark About Atishi
New Delhi, 31st December 2024: The conflict between Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena and the AAP escalated on Monday. Saxena criticized Arvind Kejriwal’s remark describing Atishi as a “temporary or stopgap” Chief Minister, calling it “highly objectionable.” Atishi retaliated, labelling Saxena a “BJP proxy” and accusing him of engaging in “petty politics.”
The latest clash follows Saxena’s orders for multiple investigations into AAP workers collecting applications for proposed schemes, just ahead of the Election Commission’s expected announcement of the Delhi election schedule.
In a letter to Atishi, Saxena stated, “A few days ago, when your predecessor, Arvind Kejriwal, publicly referred to you as a temporary or stopgap Chief Minister, I found this deeply objectionable and personally hurtful. This not only disrespected you but also insulted the President of India and me as her representative.” He further alleged that pending work failures would now be attributed to Atishi, given her own party leader’s remarks about her temporary role.
Saxena also criticized Kejriwal for “unauthorized” announcements of the ‘Mahila Samman Yojana’ and ‘Sanjeevini Scheme’ in Atishi’s presence, stating that such actions undermined the dignity of the Chief Minister’s office.
Responding sharply, Atishi accused Saxena of politicizing the LG’s office, citing his “obstruction” of the ‘Mahila Samman Yojana’ as evidence. She expressed personal anguish, claiming his actions were intended to malign the initiative and hinder its implementation. Atishi alleged that the LG’s office was functioning as a “proxy of the BJP,” prioritizing party interests over the welfare of Delhi residents.
Calling Kejriwal “Delhi’s tallest leader” dedicated to serving the city, Atishi emphasized that the party was committed to carrying forward his legacy. While Saxena commended Atishi for actively performing the duties of Chief Minister, he accused Kejriwal of never holding any portfolios. In turn, Atishi criticized Saxena for failing to ensure law and order in Delhi, the one responsibility she claimed he was “directly mandated to handle.”
Atishi also accused Saxena of “illegally” granting police protection to a former BJP MP allegedly distributing money to influence voters. She urged him to abandon the “baggage of politics” that she said plagued his role.
Saxena countered by stating that Kejriwal’s justification for Atishi’s temporary role lacked constitutional validity and showed “flagrant disregard for democratic values.” He also accused Kejriwal of making baseless public claims, referring to allegations of the Transport Department and other agencies investigating Atishi. Saxena pointed out that the Transport Department’s additional chief secretary clarified there was no such investigation or discussion underway.
Expressing disappointment over the public discourse, Saxena stated, “As LG, I am deeply hurt by the narrative portraying the full-time Chief Minister of my government as a temporary figure.”
