The Delhi PWD Minister Atishi has written a letter to Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena mentioning that his demand of the records and direction of executive action of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence is ‘unconstitutional’ and ‘undemocratic’.
The letter by LG contained a request of sending all relevant records of the renovation of CM’s official residence within a deadline of 15 days. This happened after a row erupted recently over crores of rupees being spent for the renovation.
Atishi began the letter by saying, “I have seen media reports of your letter dated 27.04.2023 addressed to the Chief Secretary, Delhi in which you have sought that the records relating to PWD renovations at the Delhi Chief Minister's official residence be seized and taken into protective custody at your instance and further that a 'factual report' on it be submitted to you.”
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She has urged the LG to ‘withdraw his communication’ and mentioned that, “LG has no power whatsoever to direct executive action of any kind, he can not break the law directly issue orders to any officer.”
Atishi claims that the LG does not have the right to ask for such records as per his jurisdiction. She wrote, “As per Rule 4(2) of the Transaction of Business of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Rules, 1993 ('ToBR'), I find myself compelled by my constitutional duty to the people of Delhi in whose name I hold my mandate, to write to you regarding my concerns with the unconstitutional and undemocratic nature of your communication dated April 27.”
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The PWD minister also mentioned that she thinks LG’s letter was politically motivated rather than actual concerns about the money. The opposition, Bharatiya Janata Party has been reportedly attacking the CM and his political party AAP by claiming that Rs 45 crore was spent on his residence renovation. While the Aam Aadmi Party responded by saying that BJP is trying to divert people’s attention from real issues with this.
Atishi ended the letter with a warning as she wrote, “As the people's representative, I fear that this continual displacement of the constitutional scheme under Article 239AA will denude the democratic mandate of the people of Delhi. Therefore, as a constitutional functionary yourself, I request you to withdraw your communication dated 27.04.2023 and restore the scheme of governance intended by the Constitution for Delhi and its people. We hope that you will not force the elected government to approach the court once again in respect of your actions.”
