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Centre likely to demarcate powers of Delhi Governor and CM

by IBNS 21 May 2015, 09:25 pm

New Delhi, May 22 (IBNS) As the turf war between Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung becomes grim, the Centre is reportedly mulling a notification that clearly demarcates the powers of their offices.

Media reports said the notification is expected to strongly endorse the stand taken by the Lieutenant Governor that he has the final say in deciding the appointments of key bureaucrats, which has been vehemently opposed by Chief Minister Kejriwal.

The notification is expected to state that the Lieutenant Governor is "not bound to consult the council of ministers (on this) but may consult if he/she so desires," reports said. 

The notification comes after several rounds of discussions between Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday.

Reacting sharply to the reports, Mr Kejriwal's deputy Manish Sisodia tweeted: "If such an order comes, it is clear that PM Modi and Rajnath Singh have bowed before the transfer posting industry. We need to see whether the Constitution wins or a few corrupt officers and politicians."

 Kejriwal wrote to PM Modi on Wednesday, alleging that his party, the BJP, is trying to govern Delhi through the Lieutenant Governor.

The power struggle between Delhi's two top men began soon after Jung decided to promote IAS officer Shakuntala Gamlin as acting Chief Secretary of Delhi, without consulting the Chief Minister.

 Kejriwal retaliated by removing the officer who signed off on the Lieutenant Governor's order while principal Secretary Anindo Majumdar  was locked out of his office on Monday. 

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