Delhi LG vs AAP battle continue in Delhi, The AAP claimed that the video it released in front of the press was conclusive proof in the Sabarmati Ashram assault case where Delhi LG Vinai Kumar Saxena is an accused.
AAP has claimed that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday claimed that Delhi LG Vinai Kumar Saxena once led an angry mob that allegedly attacked social activist Medha Patkar at the Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat, insisting on the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to sack Saxena from his post. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s AAP party released footage of the incident, which purportedly depicts Saxena disputing with police officials while an unidentified group of people assaulted Patkar during a peace conference that was held in the Gandhi Ashram in Ahmedabad in the aftermath of post-Godhra protests.
In a press conference, AAP head Sanjay Singh said that everyone will be embarrassed after watching the video , except the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was the one to create Saxena Delhi’s L-G.
“The women of the country and crores of people must be thinking that PM Modi has done a very shameful act,” Singh said. “Modi ji, remove LG and ask him to join the court process.”
The March 2002 incident has snowballed into a fresh controversy after Saxena recently approached a court in Gujarat with a request to keep a criminal trial against him in abeyance till he holds the top post.
Saxena and three others, including Gujarat BJP MLA Amit P Shah, were booked for rioting, assault, wrongful restraint, criminal intimidation and intentional insult in connection with the 21-year-old case. Saxena prayed for the court to keep the trial against him in abeyance citing immunity granted to a Lieutenant Governor under Article 361 (1) of the Constitution.
Patkar has opposed Saxena’s plea, holding his post is not equivalent to a Governor. In her reply to L-G’s plea, the Narmada Bachao Andolan leader insisted that immunity provided under Article 361 of the Constitution to certain top functionaries is not available to the Lieutenant Governor (LG).
“The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi… is not a Governor in terms of Article 153 of the Constitution of India, but merely an ‘Administrator’ of Union Territory who is appointed by the President to act on his behalf,” stated her reply.
Saxena founded the National Council for Civil Liberties (NCCL), a non-profit NGO with its headquarters in Ahmedabad, in 1991. The NCCL opposed Medha Patkar and her Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) in their attempts to stop construction of the Sardar Sarovar Project in Gujarat.
The official website of Delhi L-G mentions that NCCL built a “formidable opposition to those who, driven by some vested agenda, created hurdles to stall the construction of the SardarSarovar Project (SSP) and other upcoming hydro projects on Narmada Valley since 1991.”
Delhi LG vs AAP: Understanding the Tussle for Power
The relationship between the Lieutenant Governor (LG) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi has been a contentious one since the party came to power in 2015. The tussle for power between the two has often led to political and administrative standoffs, causing hindrance in the functioning of the state government.
The LG, who is appointed by the central government, represents the President of India and has the power to make decisions on matters related to law and order, land, and services. On the other hand, the AAP government, which is elected by the people of Delhi, has the power to make policies and administer them.
The main point of contention between the LG and the AAP government has been the interpretation of Article 239AA of the Constitution, which defines the powers and responsibilities of the LG and the state government in Delhi. The AAP government believes that it has the power to make decisions on all matters, except those related to land, law and order, and services, which fall under the LG’s jurisdiction. However, the LG has interpreted the article to mean that he has the power to make decisions on all matters, and the state government can only offer advice.
This difference in interpretation has led to several conflicts between the two, including the issue of transfer and posting of bureaucrats. The AAP government has accused the LG of obstructing their work by refusing to approve their proposals and interfering in their administrative decisions. On the other hand, the LG has accused the state government of exceeding its powers and not consulting him on important matters.
The issue is still unresolved, and the tussle between the LG and the AAP government continues to be a major challenge for governance in Delhi.
FAQs
What is the Medha Patkar assault case?
The Medha Patkar assault case involves an incident in August 2021, where social activist Medha Patkar was allegedly assaulted and manhandled during a protest in Delhi.
What is AAP’s proof against Delhi LG Vinai Kumar Saxena?
According to AAP, they have video evidence that shows Delhi LG Vinai Kumar Saxena ordering the police to use force against the protesters, including Medha Patkar, during the aforementioned protest.
What is the significance of this proof?
The significance of this proof is that it could potentially implicate the Delhi LG in the assault case and raise questions about his involvement and actions during the protest. It could also impact his position and role as the LG of Delhi.
What is the stance of the Delhi government on this issue?
The Delhi government, which is led by the AAP, has called for an independent inquiry into the incident and has demanded action against those responsible for the assault on Medha Patkar.
What is the LG’s response to these allegations?
As of the writing of the article, there has been no response from the LG regarding these allegations.
