L- G, CM tussle over Sahai appointment
Sharp differences reportedly cropped up between lieutenant- governor Najeeb Jung and chief minister Arvind Kejriwal after the AAP government appointed Sanjeev Nandan Sahai as the acting chief secretary of Delhi on February 28.
The decision of the AAP government did not go well with Mr Jung, who in turn sought an explanation on the issue from the administration. This development took place after Mr Kejriwal had written to the L- G seeking a greater role in police, public law and land- related issues.
A highly- placed source said that the Raj Niwas cited business transaction rules of the NCT Delhi Act that clearly defined government in Delhi “means lieutenant- governor”.
A terse note sent to the Delhi government’s two senior officials, including principal secretary ( services), sought their comments on the matter. The two officers are said to have given a detailed reply, citing present circumstances and other developments in the government.
Taking a serious note, the L- G has advised those at the helm to desist from such practices in the future as any such order would be against the laid down rules regulations.
The source said that having realised the gravity of the faux pas, the city government sought to clarify its position as the lieutenant- governor had asked the principal secretary ( services) to explain the conduct. The orders for the appointment of Mr Sahai as the acting chief secretary were issued by the office of principal secretary ( services).
Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia is learnt to have made a noting on the file that the Raj Niwas has been deliberately interfering in the day- to- day functioning of the elected government. The Raj Niwas is said to have again reminded the state government, citing the Business Transaction Rules and Article 239 and designated as such under Article 239AA of the Constitution, that his office is defined as “government” in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, according to a 2002 order of the home ministry. The appointment of the chief secretary in Delhi had resulted in a major controversy between the city administration and the Centre over the choice of the senior IAS which finally culminated in the appointment of K. K. Sharma for the coveted post. The confrontation between the Raj Niwas and the Delhi government escalated after Mr Kejriwal assumed charge as Delhi CM.
Mr Kejriwal had earlier written to the L- G that all files pertaining to reserved subjects of police, public order and land be routed through him.