Atishi National Flag Controversy
The controversy surrounding who will hoist the national flag on Independence Day at the official Delhi government function has taken a new turn. The General Administration Department (GAD) clarified on Tuesday that Atishi, who was proposed to hoist the flag on behalf of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, cannot do so. This announcement comes as uncertainty persists due to Kejriwal’s ongoing legal troubles related to the excise policy case.
GAD’s Response to Gopal Rai’s Directive
Just a day earlier, GAD Minister Gopal Rai had directed the department to make necessary arrangements for Atishi to hoist the national flag as per Kejriwal’s wishes. However, the GAD has made it clear that this request cannot be honored. The additional chief secretary of GAD, Navin Kumar Chaudhary, stated that the communication from the Minister does not qualify as permissible under the current legal framework. Therefore, it is not valid and cannot be acted upon.
The Constitutional Sanctity of National Events
The GAD emphasized the importance of maintaining the constitutional sanctity of national events like Independence Day and Republic Day. The department highlighted that these events are of utmost national significance and must be celebrated according to established protocols. Any deviation from these protocols could undermine the dignity of the occasion and potentially lead to statutory violations.
Kejriwal’s Unavailability and Legal Concerns
The department further explained that they had sought Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s availability for the Independence Day event. However, due to his judicial custody, Kejriwal indicated his inability to participate. As a result, the matter has been escalated to higher authorities for a final decision. Meanwhile, preparations for the Independence Day function at Chhatrasal Stadium are proceeding as usual, following established traditions.
Kejriwal’s Attempt to Delegate the Flag Hoisting
In a related development, Arvind Kejriwal had written a letter to Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, proposing that Atishi hoist the national flag in his absence. However, the Lieutenant Governor’s office denied receiving any such communication from the Chief Minister. Additionally, Tihar jail authorities informed Kejriwal that his attempt to send the letter violated the privileges granted to him under the Delhi Prison Rules. Consequently, the letter was not forwarded to the Lieutenant Governor.
This situation has created a complex legal and procedural challenge, leaving the final decision on who will hoist the national flag on Independence Day still uncertain. As Delhi gears up for the celebrations, all eyes are on the authorities to see how this matter will be resolved.
