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Delhi trying to rule Delhi through Lt.Governor : Kejriwal writes to PM

by IBNS 20 May 2015, 09:39 am

New Delhi, May 20 (IBNS) Amid a bitter power struggle with Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserting that his government should be allowed to function independently.

Media reports said Kejriwal, in his letter, has alleged that the Centre is trying to rule Delhi through the Lieutenant Governor and the "interference" in Delhi administration is unconstitutional.

Meanwhile, amid reports that several bureaucrats have sought a transfer to avoid getting caught in the crossfire, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia is meeting senior officials including  Shakuntala Gamlin, whose appointment as acting Chief Secretary by the Lieutenant Governor sparked off a virtual war between Keriwal and Jung. 

Kejriwal recently issued instructions to bureaucrats that they will not take any order from the Lieutenant Governor without clearing it with him or ministers concerned.

The AAP government has accused Jung of overstepping his jurisdiction and meddling in the appointment of officers.

 "The Lt Governor is running the government as if it is under President's rule,"  Sisodia said on Tuesday.

Both  Kejriwal and the Lt. Governor met President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday separately and accused each other of violating the Constitution.

Mr Jung also met Home Minister Rajnath Singh and reportedly complained of a "Constitutional breakdown." 

 Jung also met Home Minister Rajnath Singh and reportedly complained of a "Constitutional breakdown." 

 
Singh will meet the President today to discuss the crisis, which, the Centre says, has affected officers' morale.

Media reports  suggest at least 20 senior bureaucrats have indicated that they would like to be relocated from Delhi.