New presidential directive grants Delhi LG control over board, commission appointments

New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu issued a directive empowering Delhi's Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Tuesday. According to the directive, LG can form and appoint members to various boards, commissions, and statutory bodies in the capital. This move, announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs, allows Saxena to exercise the President’s powers under the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991.

Details of Presidential order

The Ministry of Home Affairs published a gazette notification stating, "In accordance with clause (1) of Article 239 of the Constitution and section 45D of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991, the President directs that the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi shall, subject to Presidential control and until further notice, wield the powers of the President under section 45D for the constitution of any authority, board, commission, or statutory body. This includes the appointment of any Government officer or ex-officio member."

This order is anticipated to escalate tensions between the Lieutenant Governor and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Potential clash with AAP government

The recent move follows last year's approval of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill 2023 by President Murmu. This legislation transferred the authority for officer transfers and postings to the National Capital Civil Services Authority (NCCSA), chaired by Kejriwal, with the final decision resting with the Lieutenant Governor. Kejriwal had previously criticized this act, accusing the Centre of undermining Delhi's autonomy and attempting to "arm twist" its residents.

Delhi Minister criticizes LG's actions

Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj has voiced concerns over the Lieutenant Governor’s recent actions, accusing him of planning to misuse taxpayers' money to enhance his public image. Bharadwaj described this move as a “conspiracy” aimed at swaying voters ahead of upcoming assembly elections. “The LG’s desire to gain fame at the expense of Delhi's taxpayers is disgraceful,” Bharadwaj told PTI.