Delhi's political landscape is currently abuzz with controversy surrounding the upcoming Independence Day celebrations. Delhi's Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, announced that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has requested Education Minister Atishi to hoist the national flag at the Chhatrasal Stadium on August 15, 2024, in his place. Traditionally, this event is presided over by the Chief Minister, who also addresses the gathering.
Rai's statement indicated that the necessary arrangements for Atishi's participation are being made following Kejriwal's instructions. However, the office of the Lieutenant Governor (LG) has denied receiving any formal communication from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) regarding this change. This discrepancy has led to further tension between the Delhi government and the LG's office.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticized the situation, with Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva stating that the letter allegedly written by Kejriwal to the LG suggests that AAP leaders are "anarchists." He also called for Kejriwal to resign and make Atishi the Chief Minister if she is to perform such duties.
Arvind Kejriwal is currently detained in Tihar Jail due to corruption and money laundering charges related to the Delhi excise policy scam. Although the Supreme Court granted him interim bail in the Enforcement Directorate (ED) case on July 12, he remains incarcerated in connection with a separate Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case.
