New Delhi:
Delhi Home Minister Kailash Gahlot has been chosen – by Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena – to unfurl the national flag during the Delhi government’s Independence Day celebration on Thursday.
Mr Gahlot will do so as Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal – who would normally lead celebrations – remains in jail following his arrest by the CBI in the alleged liquor policy case.
The choice of Mr Gahlot will fan the flames of conflict between Mr Saxena and the ruling Aam Aadmi Party after Mr Kejriwal wrote to the LG to declare that Education Minister Atishi would do the honours in his absence. Mr Saxena, however, immediately declared Mr Kejriwal’s direction “invalid”.
In a brief statement issued Tuesday evening Mr Saxena’s office said Mr Gahlot had been nominated since Delhi Police “is responsible for the ceremonial march-past parade after unfurling of the national flag”, and “matters related to (the) police have been assigned to the Home Department”.
“In view of the above, Lieutenant Governor is pleased to nominate Home Minister Kailash Gahlot to unfurl the national flag at the state-level Independence Day celebrations…” Mr Saxena said.
“Kejriwal’s Decision Legally Invalid”
Mr Kejriwal had also written to Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena is this connection, but his office said they did not receive any communication. Tihar jail authorities later told Mr Kejriwal that his letter was an “abuse of privileges” granted to him under the Delhi Prison Rules and was not sent to Mr Saxena.
