I-Day controversy: Why AAP's Kailash Gahlot not Atishi will hoist the flag in Delhi

As India prepares to celebrate the 78th Independence Day with grandeur and patriotic fervour, Delhi has beefed up its security, and a traffic advisory has been issued to avoid inconvenience to commuters in key areas.

However, amid the festivities, a massive row has erupted between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party and Delhi Lieutenant Governor over the flag hoisting during the state-level celebrations.

Here’s all we know about it.

Kejriwal’s choice for flag hoisting

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is in jail in a corruption case, wanted Education Minister Atishi to hoist the flag on his behalf, as per PTI.

In a letter to the LG last week, Kejriwal said Atishi would hoist the national flag in his place during the Delhi government’s Independence Day programme.

However, the LG office stated that they did not receive any communication from the CM.

For those uninitiated, Kejriwal was taken into custody by the Enforcement Directorate in March, just a few weeks before the 2024 Lok Sabha election. He has denied the corruption allegations and asserted a pre-election conspiracy, as stated by AAP. Although he was granted bail, it was ineffective because the CBI had already taken him into custody.

‘Decision legally invalid’

General Administration Department (GAD) Minister Gopal Rai had met with Kejriwal in the jail earlier and also issued directions on Monday to make arrangements for Atishi to unfurl the flag as the chief minister “desires,” according to Business Today.

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However, the department refused to implement the order, saying that Kejriwal cannot authorise Atishi to do so on his behalf.

As per the report, GAD’s additional chief secretary Navin Kumar Chaudhary responded to the communication that the CM’s direction is “legally invalid and cannot be acted upon.”

The GAD officer has also said the CM’s communication to the Lt Governor on August 6 in this regard was “not permissible” according to the prison rules. Additionally, Kejriwal was notified by the Tihar Jail officials that his letter to Saxena was not transmitted to the recipient because it was “an abuse of privileges” allowed to him under the Delhi Prison Rules.

According to Chaudhary, the issue has been brought to the attention of the “higher authority” and a directive is anticipated because the CM is currently in judicial custody and unable to hoist the flag.

AAP Vs Lt Governor

Another political dispute between the AAP and LG Saxena was triggered by the rejection of Atishi.

Saxena’s action is perceived by AAP leaders as an attempt to sow discord.

The block was denounced by the ruling party as “petty politics,” according to NDTV.

Additionally, it led to a strong backlash against former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who was last week released on bail following nearly 18 months in prison for the purported liquor policy scam.

“I read in the papers… when a conman (referring to Sukesh Chandrashekar, who has written open letters targeting AAP leaders, including Kejriwal) writes a letter, jail administration duty submits it to LG’s office… but when the Delhi Chief Minister writes…”

Atishi has accused Saxena of obstructing an elected government. “What can be a bigger dictatorship than this? We have to see if BJP is standing with democracy or dictatorship?” she asked.

“The L-G’s main motive was to show he would not follow the CM’s orders. That is why he rejected the directions and nominated Gahlot. But this will not work. The L-G can’t unfurl the flag so he purposely appointed Gahlot ji to create a rift… but he (Gahlot) is focusing on party events, meetings as well as his duties as a minister,” an AAP leader told Indian Express.

“Even today, Gahlot ji tweeted that the multi-level bus parking depot was the CM’s dream project. These are just BJP’s tactics and will not succeed,” the leader added.

Delhi Lt Governor’s pick

Lt Governor VK Saxena on Tuesday nominated Delhi Home Minister Kailash Gahlot to hoist the national flag at the state Independence Day event, officials at Raj Niwas said.

The choice that bypasses several other senior government leaders like Gopal Rai is likely to set a stage for another round of tussle between the AAP dispensation and the LG Secretariat.

“Lieutenant Governor is pleased to nominate Minister (Home), GNCTD, Kailash Gahlot to unfurl the National Flag at the State level Independence day celebrations at Chhatrasaal Stadium. Necessary arrangements may be made accordingly,” LG’s secretary Ashish Kundra said in a written communication to Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar.

About Kailash Gahlot

In 2017, Gahlot, an AAP member from Najafgarh, was appointed as a minister, taking over for Kapil Mishra, who had joined the BJP after accusing Kejriwal and former minister Satyendar Jain of corruption.

Within the Delhi administration, he is responsible for the following portfolios: transport, revenue, information technology, administrative reforms, law, justice and legislative affairs, and environment.

Over the years, Gahlot has maintained a low profile within the party and government and appears to have the CM’s confidence and attention.

According to Business Standard, Gahlot’s degrees include a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Laws, and a Master of Laws from the University of Delhi. He is a skilled Supreme Court and Delhi High Court advocate.

Gahlot was investigated by the Income Tax department in 2018 after they searched many locations connected to him in relation to a suspected tax evasion case.

Gahlot and Saxena have taken the stage together multiple times in the last few days. Recently, Saxena was the chief guest and was joined by Gahlot at the multi-level electric bus depot’s foundation stone-laying event on Tuesday.

Indian Express sources noted that Gahlot and the L-G have always had a friendly rapport.

“He has never been part of any name-calling or blame game. He has mostly focused on his departments. Though there was some heartburn after the Revenue portfolio was taken from him and given to Atishi, it was managed within the party. The L-G is also fond of him. Add to this his strong background in the bureaucracy, where he is seen to have their ear, and he becomes a favourable choice,” an AAP leader told the newspaper.

With inputs from agencies