Work ‘Within Constitution’: Angry Kejriwal Writes to Delhi L-G

Delhi CM declares war in a strong letter to L-G Najeeb Jung over the Chief Secy row. He also sacks a Principal Secy.

Delhi Chief Minister has locked horns with the Delhi LG over Chief Secretary appointment decision. (Photo: PTI)

Kejriwal Vs Jung: It’s War

I am simply aghast by your questionable instructions issued directly to the Pr. Secretary (Services) to post an officer of your choice as the acting Chief Secretary of Delhi.

You have bypassed the democratically elected government.

I would strongly request and urge you to remain within the confines of the Constitution and the laws relating to government of NCT of Delhi.

— Letter from Arvind Kejriwal, CM Delhi to Najeeb Jung, L-G Delhi, dated 16 May, 2015.

These are excerpts from a stern letter written by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to Delhi Lieutenant General Najeeb Jung, over the fresh controversy involving  Shakuntala Gamlin’s appointment as the acting Chief Secretary of Delhi.

In a scathing diatribe against Lt Governor Najeeb Jung on Saturday, Kejriwal asked him to review his “questionable” decision.

In the letter, he further pointed towards several Transaction of Business Rules, that he claimed Jung had violated or by-passed, calling it an attempt to undermine the AAP government -

I cannot but conclude that This is a thinly disguised attempt to render the democratically elected govt “ineffective”.

— Letter from Arvind Kejriwal, CM Delhi to Najeeb Jung, L-G Delhi, dated 16 May, 2015.

Kejriwal Sacks Principal Secy Also

In a further development, Arvind Kejriwal also ordered the removal of Anindo Majumdar from his post as Principal Secretary (Services).

But Lt Governor Jung, has been quick to contest that order as well, insisting that only he was the competent authority to issue such an order, adding that Majumdar’s removal did not have his approval.

The night is young. We can bank on AAP to hold up their end of the drama. Question is, how far does Najeeb Jung want to go, or indeed, the Union Home Ministry.