President Droupadi Murmu has empowered Delhi L-G (Lieutenant Governor) V.K. Saxena to form and appoint members to various boards, authorities, and commissions in the national capital. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced this decision on Tuesday through a gazette notification.
The notification stated that under Article 239 of the Constitution, read with section 45D of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991, the President has directed the L-G to exercise these powers. The L-G can now constitute any authority, board, commission, or statutory body and appoint government officers or ex-officio members to these bodies.
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This move is expected to escalate the ongoing tensions between the Delhi government and the L-G’s office. The two have frequently clashed on various issues, and this latest development could lead to further disputes.
In 2023, President Murmu approved the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill 2023, transferring the power to decide on officer transfers and postings to the National Capital Civil Services Authority (NCCSA). Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal criticized the bill, accusing the Centre of trying to undermine the will of Delhi’s residents.
Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj also criticized the L-G, claiming that Saxena planned to use taxpayer money to enhance his public image through social media.