New Delhi: Delhi Lt Governor VK Saxena on Tuesday announced that Home Minister and AAP leader Kailash Gehlot will hoist the national flag during the Independence Day celebration on August 15. The move may escalate the ongoing tussle between the AAP government and the Lt Governor as Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is presently in jail, had recommended Education Minister Atishi’s name for the hoisting of tricolour during the official Delhi government function on Independence Day.
In a statement issued Tuesday evening, Saxena’s office said 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…” the Lt Governor said.
Last week, Arvind Kejriwal, who is lodged in Tihar jail in corruption case, had written to Lt Governor to formally convey his choice. He said that Atishi would hoist the national flag in his place during the Independence Day programme.
The LG office, however, denied receiving any communication. The Tihar Jail authorities said that Kejriwal’s letter to Saxena was “an abuse of privileges” granted to him under the Delhi Prison Rules and, therefore, it was not not sent to the addressee.
Earlier today, Delhi’s General Administration Department, or GAD, which operates under the Lieutenant Governor, said the Chief Minister’s direction is “legally invalid and can’t be acted on”. The GAD also said the Kejriwal’s communication to Lt Governor was “not permissible” according to the prison rules. GAD Minister Gopal Rai Monday directed the department to make arrangements for Atishi to unfurl the flag as the Chief Minister “desires”. Rai had issued directions to the GAD after a meeting with Kejriwal in the jail.