New Delhi:
In a poignant and assertive response, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi has urged Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena to shed the “baggage of politics” and focus on the welfare of the people of Delhi, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing political tug-of-war between the two.
Atishi’s two-page letter, a direct response to Saxena’s New Year greetings laced with criticism of her predecessor Arvind Kejriwal, underscores her commitment to the people of Delhi and her vision for the city’s future. She expressed a heartfelt hope that in the coming year, Saxena would adopt a more cooperative and constructive approach, rather than engaging in what she termed as “criticism rather than constructive cooperation.”
Atishi’s letter delved into several key areas of concern, highlighting Saxena’s “unnecessary interventions” that have allegedly slowed down critical work in the city. She accused the Lieutenant Governor’s office of acting as a “proxy of the BJP,” particularly in its actions to halt the Mahila Samman Yojana, a scheme aimed at empowering women. This move, according to Atishi, has personally hurt her and undermined the welfare initiatives of the Delhi government.
The Chief Minister also criticized Saxena for failing to ensure the safety of Delhi’s citizens, a responsibility that directly falls under his purview. She pointed out the irony of Saxena’s focus on “pointless mudslinging” and issuing instructions for raids and inquiries against AAP leaders, while serious issues like kidnappings and assaults on children and women continue unabated.
Saxena’s initial letter had praised Atishi for her proactive approach to governance, contrasting it with Kejriwal’s tenure. He noted that Atishi has taken charge of various government departments and is actively addressing administrative issues, a stark difference from Kejriwal who, according to Saxena, did not handle any department and never signed files.
However, Saxena’s criticism of Kejriwal’s remark labelling Atishi as a “temporary Chief Minister” was a significant point of contention. He argued that such a designation has no constitutional basis and is a disregard for the democratic values enshrined in the Constitution by Dr. BR Ambedkar. This remark, Saxena emphasized, was not only an insult to Atishi but also to the President of India who appointed her.
Legacy and Vision
Atishi reiterated that the Delhi government is deeply rooted in the vision and legacy of her predecessor, Arvind Kejriwal. She highlighted the educational reforms, healthcare revolution, and infrastructural advancements initiated by Kejriwal, which have become benchmarks not just in Delhi but across India. The current progress, she asserted, is a continuation of this legacy, and the people of Delhi have consistently shown their faith in this governance model.
