In a recent development, Atishi, Delhi’s Education Minister, has criticized the Lieutenant Governor’s (LG) directive to probe into the renovation of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence. Atishi has termed the directive as ‘unconstitutional’ and ‘undemocratic’, urging the LG to withdraw it and restore the intended scheme of governance for Delhi.

Atishi Challenges the LG’s Directive

Atishi, in a letter addressed to the LG, expressed her concerns about the jurisdiction and authority of the LG’s office. She pointed out that the directive seeking the seizure of records and executive action is beyond the LG’s constitutional powers. Atishi emphasized that such actions should be under the purview of the elected government and the council of ministers responsible for the business of the Delhi government.

She further highlighted that the LG’s letter is politically motivated and contains baseless allegations. Atishi cited the Supreme Court’s observation that the LG is bound by the aid and advice of the council of ministers, and he does not possess independent decision-making powers.

Allegations and Counter-Responses

The renovation of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence has sparked controversy, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleging that Rs 45 crore was spent on the renovation. The BJP has attacked Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), accusing them of financial impropriety.

The AAP, in response, has dismissed the allegations as politically motivated and an attempt to divert attention from real issues. They argue that the BJP is engaging in mudslinging rather than focusing on governance and development.

The Constitutional Framework and Concerns

Atishi highlighted the constitutional framework for Delhi’s governance under Article 239AA and the role of the LG. She emphasized that the LG’s actions undermine the democratic mandate of the people of Delhi and disrupt the intended scheme of governance.

By challenging the LG’s directive and calling it unconstitutional, Atishi seeks to defend the powers and responsibilities of the elected government in Delhi. The ongoing controversy over the renovation of the CM’s official residence highlights the political tensions and power dynamics within the city’s governance structure.

It remains to be seen how this dispute will unfold and whether it will result in legal interventions or further political confrontations between the Delhi government and the LG’s office.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is Atishi and what is her role in Delhi’s government?

  Atishi is a politician who serves as Delhi’s Education Minister. She is a member of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and is responsible for overseeing education-related matters in Delhi’s government.

• What is the role of the Lieutenant Governor in Delhi?

  The Lieutenant Governor (LG) is a representative of the central government in Delhi. The LG’s role is to exercise administrative and executive powers, primarily in matters relating to public order, police, and land. However, the LG is bound by the aid and advice of the council of ministers in most decision-making processes.

• What are the allegations made against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence renovation?

  The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has alleged that a significant amount of money, approximately Rs 45 crore, was spent on the renovation of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence. These allegations have led to a demand for an investigation into the expenditure and possible irregularities.

• What is the response of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to the allegations?

  The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has dismissed the allegations made by the BJP and stated that they are politically motivated. They claim that the BJP is raising this issue to divert attention from more pressing matters. The AAP maintains that the allegations are baseless and devoid of merit.