DCW row: Arvind Kejriwal says Najeeb Jung a dictator, works for Narendra Modi
New Delhi: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday slammed Lt Governor Najeeb Jung for his assertion that 'Government' in Delhi meant the LG, saying it will result in dictatorship and that his stand was not only unconstitutional but "laughable" in a democratic country.
In a terse letter to Jung on the row over appointment of the DCW chief, Kejriwal said it was not an ego issue and alleged that the LG was acting at the behest of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"The LG says he is the government of Delhi. How can it be? How can anyone call himself the government? This will result in dictatorship in Delhi. Nothing can be more laughable than this. India is a democracy. Delhi has an elected government.
"It's but a fact that the meaning of Delhi government is an elected government and not any individual," Kejriwal said in the letter, adding, "But why is the LG making such laughable and unconstitutional statements. The truth is the Lt Governor himself is not doing anything. He is being asked to do things."
Read: Will continue fight against DCW’s ‘kitty party’ culture: Swati Maliwal
Striking down Swati Maliwal's appointment as DCW chief, Jung had in a letter to Kejriwal on Tuesday referred to a Home Ministry order and said 'Government' meant the "Lt Governor of the National Capital Territory of Delhi" appointed by the President and that he was sole authority in deciding on major issues including appointment to top positions.
The Chief Minister today said there was no "ego" issue in sending the file to LG for appointment of Maliwal.
"This is not a battle of ego for us. Respected LG, PM has won, we all have lost. We fold our hands in requesting you to kindly sign the files pertaining to DCW and make it functional. I am sending the file to you," he said in the letter.
The Chief Minister also alleged that Jung was working at the behest of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and that he has made the DCW "completely dysfunctional".
Read: Arvind Kejriwal, Najeeb Jung spar over another AAP appointment
"I have come to know that at the behest of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jung has made the DCW completely dysfunctional. Before that he had made the ACB dysfunctional. I have been told that the files of all the newly appointed members have been forcibly taken from them and nameplates have been removed. This is totally wrong," said Kejriwal.
Kejriwal sent the letter to Jung hours after Delhi government sent a file to the LG seeking his approval on Maliwal's appointment as DCW chief.
After a meeting with Jung, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said government has sent the file to Jung for clearance but added it was done so to "stop the conspiracy to weaken the panel".
"It is written in the law governing DCW that Delhi government has full right to appoint members to the DCW," said Kejriwal.
Read: DCW row: AAP govt gives in, sends file to LG for approval
A defiant AAP Government yesterday refused to comply with LG's order striking down her appointment.
"DCW's proper functioning is important for the public. Delhi is witnessing crimes against women across the city. I hope the new DCW will provide justice to all those victims.”
"The only reason that can be seen behind LG's actions is that PM wants Delhi government to bend through LG. For us, the matter of DCW is very important and sensitive," said Kejriwal.
Transport Minister Gopal Rai yesterday had said Kejriwal made the appointment in tune with constitutional provisions and laid down norms and there was no question of reviewing the decision.
