President Murmu Hands Delhi LG New Powers, Sparks Fresh Conflict With AAP

In a significant move, President Droupadi Murmu has issued a new directive granting Delhi's Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena the power to form and appoint members to various boards, panels, and statutory bodies in the capital.

This decision was communicated through a gazette notification released by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Photo Credit: PTI

President Murmu Hands Delhi L-G New Powers

The notification details that the President's directive empowers the Lieutenant Governor to exercise the powers specified under clause (a) of section 45D of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991. This authority includes the constitution of any authority, board, commission, or statutory body, as well as the appointment of government officers or ex-officio members to these entities.

This development is anticipated to heighten the existing friction between the Lieutenant Governor and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. The tensions come on the heels of last year's Presidential assent to the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill 2023.

This amendment established the National Capital Civil Services Authority (NCCSA), chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, along with two senior Delhi government bureaucrats. While the NCCSA was granted decision-making powers by majority vote, the ultimate authority to finalize decisions was retained by the Lieutenant Governor.

The AAP government had criticized this amendment, accusing the central government of trying to undermine Delhi's democratic process and electoral mandate. In light of the new order, Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj has publicly criticized the Lieutenant Governor.

Bharadwaj has alleged that the funds from Delhi's taxpayers are being used to bolster the Lieutenant Governor's image through social media campaigns. He described this as a "conspiracy" aimed at influencing voters ahead of the forthcoming assembly elections in Delhi, suggesting that the latest directive might be part of a broader strategy to sway public opinion and enhance the Lieutenant Governor's profile.