Delhi L-G Najeeb Jung resigns in a surprise move
In a sudden move, Delhi Lt Governor Najeeb Jung resigned on Thursday, ending a nearly three-and-half- year-long eventful tenure, mostly marked by bitter confrontation with the Aam Aadmi Party government on a range of issues that virtually brought governance to a halt on many occasions.
Without citing reasons for the decision, 65-year-old Jung, who had taken charge in July 2013, thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his help and cooperation and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for his “association”. In a brief statement, Jung’s office said he has submitted his resignation to the Government of India and that he would be returning back to academics, “his first love”.
Sources close to him told that his resignation has nothing to do with his acrimonious relationship with the AAP government and he was contemplating to quit for last few months. Reacting to Jung’s resignation, Kejriwal said the decision surprised him. “Sh Jung’s resignation is a surprise to me. My best wishes in all his future endeavours,” he tweeted.
While the Bharatiya Janata Party was guarded in its reaction, Congress said the Centre must explain why Jung was “unceremoniously removed and whether it was done to bring someone to the top administrative post who is ideologically close to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.”
Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said despite several “bittersweet experiences, I can say that we have worked very well for Delhi with Jung. Good wishes for his future.” A 1973-batch IAS officer, Jung had assumed charge as 19th Lt Governor of Delhi on July 9, 2013, five months before the Delhi Assembly elections.
The then Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit had played a role in appointing Jung, who was serving as vice-chancellor of Jamia Millia University, to the top post in the city administration. He had run the city for nearly one year after the AAP government had quit on February 14, 2014 after a short stint of 49 days. In the statement, his office also said “Jung also thanks the people of Delhi for all their support and affection, especially during the one year of President’s Rule in Delhi, when he got unstinted sup- port from them and which in turn helped run the administration in Delhi smoothly and effortlessly.” Normally governors are appointed for a five-year term but there is no fixed tenure for the Lt Governors.
Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi said he came to know about Jung’s resignation from the media.
“The L-G met me day before yesterday but he did not give any indication of submitting his resignation. Another meeting of mine with the L-G is scheduled for tomorrow...I have come to know about his resignation only from the media,” he said.
Born on January 18, 1951 Jung has done his post graduation in History from Delhi University and later did MA in Social Policy and Planning from London School of Economics, UK.
He had joined Indian Administrative Services (IAS) in 1973 and served in Madhya Pradesh government and at several key positions, including as joint secretary in the ministry of petroleum and natural gas, in the central government.
A literary enthusiast, Jung had also worked with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies of Oxford University on Energy related issues. BJP leader RPN Singh said, “He did a good job and was performing on ground. He must have thought of something.” Delhi Congress Chief Ajay Maken alleged that Jung was unceremoniously removed and demanded that the Centre make public reasons behind the decision.
“Was he removed to bring someone who is close to RSS? Was it done considering the upcoming municipal polls? Jung is an able administrator,” he said. Congress leader P C Chacko said BJP’s attitude towards Governors and L-Gs may be the reason behind Jung’s decision.
NAJEEB JUNG HAD RUN THE CITY FOR NEARLY ONE YEAR AFTER THE AAP GOVERNMENT HAD QUIT ON FEBRUARY 14, 2014, AFTER A SHORT STINT OF 49 DAYS