India

Delhi Government In Turmoil; GAD Refuses To Substitute CM Kejriwal With Minister Atishi For Independence Day Ceremony

In a dramatic turn of events, the General Administration Department (GAD) has rejected a directive from Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai to have Cabinet Minister Atishi Marlena oversee the flag-hoisting ceremony on Independence Day, a task traditionally reserved for the Delhi Chief Minister.

The GAD’s decision, announced on Tuesday, has raised eyebrows amid ongoing controversies surrounding Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s incarceration.

The GAD affirmed that all preparations for the Independence Day celebrations at Chhatrasal Stadium are proceeding as planned, in line with established protocols.

In a formal response to Rai’s request, the GAD emphasized that Independence Day and Republic Day hold constitutional significance, and changing the prescribed roles could compromise their integrity and breach statutory guidelines.

The department cited specific rules from the Delhi Prison Rules, 2018 (Rules 585, 588, 620, and 627), emphasizing that the events must follow established standards and that only the Delhi Chief Minister can fulfill this role.

The GAD also noted that it is actively coordinating with relevant departments to ensure that the Independence Day functions proceed smoothly at Chhatrasal Stadium.

Meanwhile, higher authorities have now taken up the matter of the Chief Minister’s ‘absence,’ and they are likely to make a decision soon.

Controversy Erupts As Gopal Rai Requests GAD To Have Atishi Replace Kejriwal

This controversy follows Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s incarceration related to allegations of financial misconduct in the Delhi excise policy case.

Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Gopal Rai, who visited Kejriwal in Tihar Jail on Monday, had however requested the GAD to arrange for Atishi Marlena to perform the flag hoisting in place of the Chief Minister, as per Kejriwal’s expressed wish.

The annual Independence Day function, a significant event for the Delhi government, is typically held at Chhatrasal Stadium and features a speech by the Chief Minister, making the GAD’s decision a noteworthy deviation from tradition.

Also Read: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar Launches ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ Bike Rally; Calls For Unity & Patriotism

Mankrit Kaur

Recent Posts

Ramdas Athawale Meets Nitish Kumar; Demands Repeal Of Mahabodhi Temple Act

Ramdas Athawale met Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in Patna, urging the immediate repeal of…

6 hours ago

India Develops Indigenous 32-Bit Microprocessors For Space Missions

India has achieved a significant breakthrough in space technology with the development and deployment of…

11 hours ago

PLI Auto Scheme Boosts India’s Automotive Manufacturing And Global Integration

The Ministry of Heavy Industries has highlighted the Performance-Linked Incentive (PLI) Auto Scheme as a…

11 hours ago

India’s Food Processing Industry Sees Robust Growth Under Make in India Initiative

India’s food processing industry is witnessing impressive growth, largely driven by the government’s Make in…

12 hours ago

UAE Pardons 500 Indian Prisoners: A Milestone In Diplomatic Efforts

In a recent diplomatic achievement, the UAE pardoned 500 Indian prisoners, taking the total number…

12 hours ago

French Embassy Shares Ghibli-Style Image Of Macron & PM Modi; Celebrates Bilateral Ties

The French Embassy in India joined the latest trend by posting a Studio Ghibli-inspired illustration…

13 hours ago