New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Atishi on Monday asked Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena to accord priority to governance rather than doing dirty politics. She was responding to Saxena’s letter to her in which he showed concern over AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal dubbing Atishi as a “temporary chief minister” and underlined that it was a blatant disregard for the democratic spirit and values enshrined in the Constitution.
In a sharp reply, Atishi wrote in her letter to Saxena that it was a testament to our country’s democratic principles that all elected members of the government hold office only for the duration of their term. “I am amused by you taking offence at any statement highlighting this reality of an active democracy,” Atishi wrote in the letter, posted by the party on X.
Addressing the LG, she added that as the Lieutenant Governor, though a nominated member, you are an integral part of the Delhi government. “It is disheartening to note that your letter focuses on criticism rather than constructive cooperation. I strongly believe that governance should remain above petty politics, and I urge you to work alongside us in this spirit,” the chief minister added.
“The actions taken on the behest of your office to stop the Mahila Samman Yojana is a testimony to the harmful politicisation of your office. As a woman, I am personally anguished by your recent steps to malign and create hurdles for this scheme. It is a scheme that will uplift and empower the women of Delhi. I do not see how anyone can be so caught up in politics that they do not care for the people at all,” Atishi said.
The Delhi CM lauded Kejriwal and underlined that the current work of the Delhi government was deeply rooted in the vision and legacy of former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. “Whether it is the educational reforms, healthcare revolution, or infrastructural advancements, his model of governance has become a benchmark not just in Delhi but across India.”
What the LG wrote
In his letter to Atishi, the LG said, “Recently, when your predecessor, Arvind Kejriwal, declared you as a temporary or stopgap chief minister in the media, I found this highly objectionable, and I was hurt by it. It was not only an insult to you, but also to your appointee, the President of India and to me as her representative.”
He lavished praise on Atishi, while stating: “During my tenure, for the first time, I have witnsessed a Chief Minister actually performing the duties of the office.” He also criticised Kejriwal and said that by making unauthorised announcements such as schemes for senior citizens and women, he has undermined the dignity of the chief minister’s office and the Cabinet.
