Delhi LG writes letter over Kejriwal's 'temporary CM' remark, Atishi says 'I am amused'

NEW DELHI: Lieutenant Governor of Delhi VK Saxena on Monday wrote a letter to Delhi CM Atishi conveying his objections over ex-CM Arvind Kejriwal calling her 'temporary CM'.
"I found it deeply objectionable and was personally hurt when your predecessor, Shri Arvind Kejriwal, recently declared you in the media as merely a temporary and stopgap Chief Minister," said the LG in his letter. "It was not only an insult to you, but also to your appointee, the President of India and to me as her representative," he added.
Saxena further slammed the AAP supremo and said, "The public characterisation of a temporary or stopgap chief minister, as articulated by Shri Kejriwal, has no constitutional basis. It is also a deplorable violation of the democratic spirit and values enshrined in the Constitution authored by Babasaheb Ambedkar."

The LG lauded Atishi for her approach in governance, contrasting it with her predecessor's alleged reluctance to take on administrative responsibilities. “For the first time during my tenure, I have seen a Chief Minister actively performing the duties of the office,” he wrote.
The LG further outlined the challenges faced by the Delhi government, including the Yamuna pollution crisis, garbage management, and the poor state of infrastructure in industrial and slum areas. "It is well known under what circumstances you were made Chief Minister. Whether it be the worsening state of the Yamuna over the past ten years, the severe shortage of drinking water, the issue of garbage mountains, the lack of basic amenities in industrial areas, the disrepair of roads and sewer lines, the crumbling healthcare system, the dire lack of facilities in unauthorized colonies, or the abysmal living conditions in slum areas—everyone understands how impossible it is for a Chief Minister, already declared temporary and stopgap, to address these issues in three to four months," the LG said adding, "as chief minister, the responsibility for these failures will now rest on your shoulders".
The letter also took aim at Kejriwal for making unilateral announcements on government schemes during public events claiming, “Unauthorized announcements such as schemes for senior citizens and women have undermined the dignity of the chief minister’s office and the Cabinet.”
Additionally, the LG condemned Kejriwal’s claims of alleged investigations against Atishi, including suggestions that she could face jail time. He referred to official communications from the Transport Department and the Vigilance Department, which have categorically denied any such probes, calling Kejriwal’s allegations "baseless and misleading".
The letter also saw LG expressing his concern about the level of political discourse in the capital. “I am concerned about the level of public discourse and am deeply hurt by the narrative presenting the full-time chief minister of my government as a temporary Chief Minister,” he wrote.
Atishi responded to the letter letter with a sharp critique, urging him to prioritise governance over politics. "It is a testimony to the democratic principles of our country that all elected members of the government are in fact temporary and remain in office only till the duration of their term. I am amused by you taking offence at any statement highlighting this reality of an active democracy," she said.
Addressing the LG, she added, "As the Lieutenant Governor, though a nominated member, you are also a part of the Delhi government. It is disheartening to note that your letter focuses on criticism rather than constructive cooperation. I strongly believe that governance should remain above petty politics, and I urge you to work alongside us in this spirit."
She defended the legacy of her predecessor, Arvind Kejriwal, stating that his governance model has become a benchmark not just in Delhi but across India. "The elected government led by the former CM Shri Arvind Kejriwal managed to do more work in its tenure of nine and a half years than collectively done by the previous governments. I respectfully request your office to play a facilitative role rather than one that creates impediments," she said. Further praising Kejriwal the Delhi CM added, "The current work of the Delhi government is deeply rooted in the vision and legacy of former Chief Minister Shri Arvind Kejriwal. Be it the educational reforms, healthcare revolution, or infrastructural advancements, his model of governance has become a benchmark not just in Delhi but across India. The progress we are making today is a continuation of this legacy, and we remain committed to fulfilling this vision."
Accusing the LG of being aligned with BJP, she claimed, "It is evident that the office of the Lieutenant Governor is now working as a proxy of the BJP, and in its enthusiasm to protect the interest of the BJP, is causing damage to the lives of ordinary Delhites,"adding that she "do not see how anyone can be so caught up in politics that they do not care for the people at all."

Atishi then called for for a collective effort to respect the people's mandate and work towards the betterment of Delhi. She expressed hope that 2025 would mark a shift towards constructive governance, leaving behind the "baggage of politics."