Just as everyone thought that the bitter turf war between Lt Governor Anil Baijal and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi has ended with the recent historic verdict of Supreme Court, it seems another new round of battle is on offing. The tussle refuses to die and fresh flashpoint broke out today as soon as meeting between LG and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal ended. Mr Kejriwal has accused the BJP-led Central government of openly violating the court verdict that said the Lt Governor controls only land, police and public order. Lt Governor Anil Baijal claimed that he still has the power to appoint and transfer bureaucrats as the court is yet to decide on a 2015 home ministry order that handed the role to the Lieutenant Governor. Mr Kejriwal said the centre’s stance will “lead to anarchy”. This latest development is really unfortunate and will hurt the progress of Delhi.
The SC in its judgment made it very clear that apart from land, police and public order, the rest will be under control of elected government of Delhi. Therefore it is unfair on LG’s part to cling on to some old notification and create unnecessary confusion. The bureaucrats especially IAS officers of Delhi along with LG seems to be in confrontation mood. On the other hand the AAP leaders are also refusing to budge and have warned to take officials to SC for contempt of court. The SC should urgently intervene and make things clear for everyone. All the parties be it LG, central and Delhi governments should respect the ruling of SC. That will make situation much better.