Fri Nov 22 18:43:55 UTC 2024: **Delhi LG Praises Atishi, Calls Her “Thousand Times Better” Than Kejriwal**
NEW DELHI: Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has unexpectedly lauded Chief Minister Atishi, describing her as significantly superior to her predecessor and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal. Speaking at the Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women’s convocation, Saxena stated, “She is a thousand times better than her predecessor,” while gesturing towards Atishi, who was present. This marks a stark contrast to their past fraught relationship, marked by numerous legal, administrative, and governance disputes.
Saxena’s praise comes after months of open conflict with Kejriwal, including clashes over the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme and accusations of the Delhi government suppressing audit reports. Previously, Saxena criticized Atishi and other AAP ministers for what he termed a lack of seriousness in attending governance meetings. The LG’s comments also follow Kejriwal’s recent resignation as Chief Minister after securing bail in a liquor policy scam case, a move he framed as a quest for a “certificate of honesty” from Delhi’s citizens.
The AAP, facing an upcoming Assembly election, has long accused the BJP-led central government of wielding undue influence over Delhi’s affairs through the Lieutenant Governor. The party is facing challenges, particularly amidst criticism over air quality and allegations of extravagance. While Saxena’s sudden positive assessment of Atishi is noteworthy, it remains unclear how this will impact the ongoing political tensions between the AAP and the central government.
First Piper 