The ongoing tussle between the Delhi government and the Lieutenant Governor (LG) has taken a new turn with the LG’s nomination of Home Minister Kailash Gahlot to hoist the national flag at the official Independence Day event in Delhi. This decision comes after a series of disagreements and uncertainties surrounding who would lead the state’s Independence Day celebrations on August 15th.
The LG’s office, in a written communication to the Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar, stated that Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena is pleased to nominate Minister (Home), GNCTD, Kailash Gahlot to unfurl the National Flag at the State level Independence day celebrations at Chhatrasaal Stadium.
Initially, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had expressed his desire for Education Minister Atishi to hoist the flag in his place during the Delhi government’s Independence Day program. This request was conveyed by Delhi minister Gopal Rai in a letter to the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the General Administration Department (GAD). However, the Delhi government’s GAD refused to implement this direction, citing its legal invalidity.
This situation has escalated the existing conflict between the AAP government and the LG Secretariat. The LG’s nomination of Kailash Gahlot, bypassing several senior government leaders, is likely to further intensify the existing political tensions. The choice of Gahlot, who holds the Home portfolio, adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
The saga over the flag-hoisting ceremony reflects the ongoing power struggle between the Delhi government and the LG, highlighting the complexities of governance in the national capital. It remains to be seen how this latest development will impact the relationship between the two entities and shape the political landscape of Delhi.
