A significant dispute has emerged between Delhi’s elected government and the office of the
Lieutenant Governor following the refusal by the General Administration Department (GAD)
to authorize Delhi Minister Atishi to hoist the national flag on Independence Day.
The decision, rooted in Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s absence due to his judicial custody
on money laundering charges, has sparked a political controversy that underscores the
continued conflict between local and central authorities in the national capital.
On Tuesday, the GAD announced that it could not grant permission for Minister Atishi to
oversee the flag-hoisting ceremony on August 15.
The department emphasized that this responsibility typically falls to the Chief Minister and
that adhering to established protocol is essential to preserving the significance and solemnity
of the event.
The GAD highlighted that any deviation from this procedure could jeopardize the integrity of
the Independence Day celebrations, which hold deep national importance.
The controversy was ignited when Delhi Minister Gopal Rai issued instructions to the GAD to
arrange for Atishi to hoist the flag, following the desires of Chief Minister Kejriwal.
These directions were given after Rai met with Kejriwal in jail on Monday. However, the GAD
Promply reacted, asserting that the Chief Minister’s orders were ‘legally void’ and could not
be enforced.
GAD Additional Chief Secretary Navin Kumar Chaudhary elaborated that Kejriwal’s
communication on this matter was “not permissible” under the prison regulations, adding
further complexity to the situation.
Following the denial of permission, Atishi publicly expressed her displeasure, indirectly
criticizing the role of Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor, V.K. Saxena, in the matter.
She made a pointed reference to a “new viceroy” who she suggested was seeking to take
over the responsibility of unfurling the national flag, a role traditionally held by the Chief
Minister. Atishi’s remarks were widely interpreted as a veiled critique of the Lieutenant
Governor’s influence in the decision-making process.
The elected government of Delhi is being deprived of its authority to hoist the national flag. A
new viceroy has arrived, intent on doing it himself,” Atishi remarked, directly addressing the
situation.
“It is the right of the elected government to oversee the Independence Day ceremony.” she
asserted, emphasizing her belief that this honor rightfully belongs to the representatives
chosen by Delhi’s citizens.
The GAD’s refusal to allow Atishi to conduct the flag-hoisting has sparked broader concerns
regarding the autonomy of Delhi’s elected government.
The city-state’s unique governance structure, which grants considerable powers to the
Lieutenant Governor appointed by the central government, has been a longstanding source
of friction.
The inability of the elected government to perform key ceremonial duties, such as unfurling
the national flag on Independence Day, is seen by many as indicative of the constraints
placed on the democratic process in Delhi.
Adding to the complexity, GAD officer Navin Kumar Chaudhary disclosed that preparations
for the Independence Day function at the regular venue, Chhatrasal Stadium, were already
in progress.
However, with Chief Minister Kejriwal in judicial custody, the decision of who would ultimately
hoist the flag has been escalated to “higher authority,” with further direction still pending.
This suggests that the final decision may come from a central authority, possibly the office of
the Lieutenant Governor or even higher officials within the central government.
The ongoing dispute over the flag-hoisting ceremony is the latest in a series of conflicts
between Delhi’s elected government and the Lieutenant Governor.
Over the years, these two entities have often been at odds on a range of issues, from
administrative control to policy decisions. The current impasse over the Independence Day
the ceremony reflects the larger power struggle that continues to define governance in
Delhi.
As the date for the Independence Day celebrations approaches, the question of who will
ultimately preside over the flag-hoisting in Delhi remains unresolved.
This situation has drawn attention to the delicate balance of power within the city-state,
raising critical questions about the role and authority of elected officials in a democratic
system.
The outcome of this situation, whether the elected government or the Lieutenant Governor
will lead the ceremony, is not just a matter of protocol but a reflection of the ongoing battle
for control and influence in Delhi’s complex political environment.
This incident is likely to reignite debates over the need for greater clarity and balance in the
distribution of powers between Delhi’s elected government and the Lieutenant Governor. As
the city readies itself for Independence Day, the resolution of this issue will be closely
watched by political analysts and the public, with potentially significant ramifications for the
future of governance in Delhi
