Delhi LG Criticises ‘Temporary CM’ Remark: Calls it an Insult to President and CM Atishi

New Delhi: Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG), V.K. Saxena, has strongly taken umbrage with national convenor of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Arvind Kejriwal’s utterance terming Delhi Chief Minister Atishi as the “temporary CM”. The LG wrote a letter to Atishi describing the statement made by Kejriwal as derogatory not only to the chief minister but also to the President of India and him as her representative.

The letter comes amid heightened political tensions between the BJP-led central government and AAP in Delhi. LG Saxena underscored the importance of respectful public discourse and criticised Kejriwal’s remark, calling it “hurtful and objectionable.”

LG V.K. Saxena’s Letter to CM Atishi

V.K. Saxena writes in his letter: “I found this highly objectionable and was hurt by it. It was not only an insult to you but also to the President of India, who appointed you, and to me as her representative.

He commended CM Atishi for taking very active interest in governance. In comparison to her predecessor, he said, “For the first time in my tenure, I have seen a Chief Minister actively handling multiple departments and signing files. Unlike your predecessor, who held no department and avoided administrative responsibilities, you have demonstrated commitment to governance.”

Saxena has acknowledged the contributions of Atishi since his assumption of office in September after Kejriwal’s resignation. He appreciated her proactive approach towards various administrative issues and emphasized the need to maintain a dignified tone in political discussions.

“When you were sworn in as the Chief Minister, I sincerely congratulated you. And since then, you have been a paragon of commitment to the office; you have handled different portfolios and worked towards efficient administration,” Saxena wrote.

Context of Atishi’s Appointment

She is appointed Delhi Chief Minister following Kejriwal’s release from Tihar Jail where he has spent five months over his role in the Delhi liquor policy case. The move, it says, heralds a drastic change in the politics of Delhi which now prepares to go to its assembly elections scheduled in February 2025.

Saxena’s comments come months after friction with Kejriwal, who had resigned in the face of legal troubles. The LG had earlier described Atishi as “a thousand times better” than her predecessor, a sentiment that was reflected in his letter recently.

The LG’s letter likely adds to the political slugfest between BJP and AAP. At this point of time, where Atishi has been well appreciated and lauded by all due to her administration efforts and the exchanges taking place represent deep-seated tensions from both camps.

As the Delhi heads for the election in 2025, this statement of Saxena brings high light to changing leadership tides within the AAP, and strained relations that the AAP has with the central government.