BY PC Bureau
Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena’s festive greetings to Chief Minister Atishi took a sharp political turn, as he criticized her predecessor, Arvind Kejriwal. Saxena expressed his disapproval of Kejriwal referring to Atishi as a “temporary Chief Minister,” calling it a violation of constitutional principles and an insult to democracy as envisioned by Babasaheb Ambedkar.
The LG also viewed the remark as disrespectful to the President of India, who appointed Atishi, and to himself, who administered her oath of office.
In his letter, Saxena did not shy away from highlighting the “circumstances” under which Atishi was appointed. Listing areas of governance he claimed had faltered, he stated that while Kejriwal acknowledged his government’s failings, Atishi, as Chief Minister, would shoulder the blame—even though her short tenure may not allow significant changes. Delhi’s assembly elections are slated for February next year, adding urgency to the political climate.
Despite the pointed critique, Saxena began his letter by commending Atishi’s work ethic and governance. He noted her active handling of multiple departments and contrasted it with her predecessor’s alleged lack of involvement. “This is the first time in my two-and-a-half-year tenure that I am seeing a Chief Minister truly discharge the duties of the role,” he wrote, accusing Kejriwal of neglecting government functions during his tenure.
The letter adds to a series of remarks where Saxena has praised Atishi while undermining Kejriwal. Last month, during a convocation at Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women, Saxena described Atishi as “a thousand times better” than Kejriwal. His praise for Atishi comes amid their past clashes; in August, Saxena overruled Kejriwal’s choice for the Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony, replacing Atishi with then Delhi Home Minister Kailash Gehlot.
The Chief Minister has yet to respond to the latest controversy, which adds a new layer of tension to Delhi’s political landscape ahead of the upcoming elections.
