As India readies itself to celebrate its 78th Independence Day with grandeur and patriotic fervor, Delhi is experiencing heightened security measures and a comprehensive traffic advisory to manage the influx of celebratory activities. However, this year’s Independence Day celebrations in Delhi have been marred by a significant controversy involving the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor (LG) over who will hoist the national flag at the state-level event. Here’s a detailed look into the unfolding drama and its implications.
Kejriwal’s Choice for Flag Hoisting
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, currently incarcerated on charges of corruption, had initially chosen Education Minister Atishi to hoist the national flag on his behalf. According to reports, Kejriwal communicated this preference to the LG in a letter sent last week. The letter conveyed Kejriwal’s wish for Atishi to represent him during the Delhi government’s Independence Day celebrations. However, the LG’s office has stated that no such communication was received from the Chief Minister.
Kejriwal’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in March, just weeks before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, was a significant political event. He has denied all corruption allegations, claiming they are part of a larger conspiracy to undermine his position before the elections. Though Kejriwal was granted bail, his release was short-lived due to subsequent detainment by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This ongoing legal battle has cast a shadow over the Independence Day celebrations.
Legal Dispute Over Flag Hoisting
The General Administration Department (GAD) played a pivotal role in this controversy. Minister Gopal Rai, who visited Kejriwal in jail, issued directives for Atishi to hoist the flag, aligning with the Chief Minister’s wishes. Despite this, the GAD refused to implement the order, citing its legal invalidity. According to Additional Chief Secretary Navin Kumar Chaudhary, Kejriwal’s directive was deemed “legally invalid” and could not be acted upon.
Chaudhary explained that the communication from the Chief Minister to the LG on August 6 was “not permissible” under the Delhi Prison Rules. Tihar Jail officials informed Kejriwal that his letter to the LG was not forwarded, citing it as an “abuse of privileges” permitted under the prison rules. The matter has been escalated to higher authorities, and a resolution is awaited as the Chief Minister remains in judicial custody.
AAP’s Confrontation with the LG
The refusal to accept Atishi’s appointment has intensified the political discord between the AAP and the LG’s office. AAP leaders have interpreted this move as a deliberate attempt to create division and have labeled it as “petty politics.” The party has accused the LG of obstructing the elected government’s decisions, questioning whether the BJP supports democratic values or favors authoritarianism.
The controversy has also led to criticism of former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who was released on bail after spending nearly 18 months in prison in connection with the alleged liquor policy scam. Sisodia’s release and the ongoing political maneuvering have added fuel to the fire of this contentious issue.
Atishi has been vocal in her criticism of the LG, accusing him of undermining democratic processes and acting with dictatorial tendencies. She argues that the LG’s refusal to follow the Chief Minister’s instructions was a strategic move to showcase his defiance and create further rifts within the party. According to AAP, the LG’s decision to appoint Kailash Gahlot instead of Atishi was a deliberate attempt to undermine the party’s unity.
Delhi Lieutenant Governor’s Decision
In a surprising turn, Delhi Lt Governor VK Saxena has nominated Home Minister Kailash Gahlot to hoist the national flag at the state-level Independence Day event. This decision, communicated through LG’s secretary Ashish Kundra, has bypassed several senior government officials, including Gopal Rai. The nomination of Gahlot is expected to further exacerbate the tensions between the AAP administration and the LG Secretariat.
About Kailash Gahlot
Kailash Gahlot, an AAP member from Najafgarh, was appointed as a minister in 2017, succeeding Kapil Mishra who had joined the BJP. Gahlot’s portfolios include transport, revenue, information technology, administrative reforms, law, justice, legislative affairs, and environment. Despite his extensive responsibilities, he has maintained a relatively low profile within the party and government.
Gahlot’s academic qualifications are noteworthy, with a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws, and Master of Laws from the University of Delhi. He has also practiced as an advocate in the Supreme Court and Delhi High Court. His reputation within the party is largely positive, and he is seen as someone who has managed to keep a distance from major controversies.
In 2018, Gahlot was investigated by the Income Tax department for suspected tax evasion, but this did not significantly impact his standing within the party. Recent public appearances, including a joint event with the LG, have showcased a cordial relationship between the two. Gahlot’s strong bureaucratic connections and his ability to maintain a low profile have made him a favorable choice for the LG, despite some internal party dissatisfaction.
The ongoing controversy surrounding the flag hoisting ceremony highlights the complex and often contentious dynamics between Delhi’s political leadership and the office of the Lieutenant Governor. As Independence Day approaches, the focus will be on how this dispute is resolved and its broader implications for Delhi’s political landscape.
(With inputs from agencies)
