The face-off between the Arvind Kejriwal Government and the lieutenant Governor is as interesting as it gets, especially against the backdrop that the two sides are taking on each other for making a stopgap appointment for a mere 10 days — to function as Delhi’s acting Chief Secretary in the absence of the incumbent KK Sharma, who is on leave to visit the US.
While Shakuntala Gamlin on Saturday went ahead with taking charge as the acting CS — as recommended by the l-G — and in the process ignoring the CM’s warning against doing so, the AAP Government has planned to knock at the President’s door. The Kejriwal Government did not go with the four names, including Gamlin’s, that Sharma had recommended before going on leave but brought in one of their own, that of Parimal Rai, who incidentally has himself backed out and whom the l-G too had not favoured. Rai has been cleared of all charges, and given a clean chit by CVC and CBI and other probing agencies.
The Delhi Government had zeroed in on four names — Naini Jayaseelan (1980), who is posted as Finance Commissioner, SP Singh, Arvind Ray and Shakuntala Gamlin (all 1984 batch) for the acting Chief Secretary post. According to a document signed by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Naini Jayaseelan had refused. The document says that SP Singh, who is Principal Secretary (OBC), should not be given the charge for reasons known to everyone while Ray was removed from his post through a joint decision of the Chief Minister and the l-G.
“We may choose from amongst Gamlin and Parimal Rai. I (Manish Sisodia) propose Parimal Rai,” the document said. Putting aside Kejriwal’s choice, l-G has decided to appoint Gamlin as acting Chief Secretary that led to a huge controversy. Sources said that Gamlin has been asked to explain her postings held in the last three years. Meanwhile, Rai, who was backed by Kejriwal, declined to become acting Chief Secretary and he wrote a letter clarifying that Gamlin is a senior respected colleague, who has been in this Government for long, and would perhaps be more suitable as the acting Chief Secretary.
Ongoing clash between l-G and Kejriwal has aggravated further with the former declaring removal of Principal Secretary (GAD) without seeking approval of the competent authority i.e., l-G. Thus, the l-G has taken the Chief Minister to task and made it obvious that the Delhi Government has started transgressing Constitutional provisions. This is also a stern reminder to Kejriwal that he is not allowed to act in violation of Constitutional norms. To some extent, it may lead to crisis-like situation in governance. In another twist, lieutenant Governor has overturned and declared void ab initio the removal of Principal Secretary (GAD & Services) Anindo Majumdar and Special Secretary (Services) Ashutosh Kumar by Kejriwal.
While Kejriwal charged the two officers for signing the order of appointing Gamlin as the acting Chief Secretary without his approval, Jung has countered that the removal of both officers does not have his approval. “The lt Governor’s Secretariat regrets the insinuation against a respected senior civil servant and the complaint will be examined as per procedure. It has also been reported that the Principal Secretary (Services) has been removed from his position. This does not have the approval of the lt Governor, who is the competent authority, to transfer officials of that rank. This order is void ab initio,” said a media release issued by Raj Niwas.
Sources within the Government said that the l-G may issue yet another order reminding the State Government about its power and jurisdiction after Kejriwal Government’s attempt to “hijack” the powers vested in the l-G office in dealing with the GNCTD. On Saturday, Kejriwal wrote a letter to lieutenant Governor and advised him to confine to Constitution and Transaction of Business Rules. Kejriwal has also sought appointment from President of India to demarcate powers between elected Government and lieutenant Governor in the wake of ongoing controversy. The AAP Government also leaked a letter dated May 9 of Satyendra Jain in which he accused Gamlin of lobbying within the Government to promote the “interest of Reliance-owned power companies” and urged him to relieve her of the charge of Principal Secretary (Power).”