Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) Vinay Kumar Saxena recently wrote a letter to Chief Minister Atishi expressing his disagreement with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal calling her a “temporary chief minister”. Saxena called the remark not only derogatory to Atishi, but also derogatory to himself as the President of India and the President’s representative.

In his letter, the LG emphasised that such terminology lacks constitutional basis and undermines the democratic principles enshrined in the Constitution. “The public characterisation of Atishi as temporary or makeshift chief minister expressed by Shri Kejriwal has no constitutional basis. It is also a reprehensible violation of the democratic spirit and values ​​enshrined in the Constitution written by Babasaheb Ambedkar,” he said.

Saxena also lauded Atishi’s proactive approach to governance, and compared it with her predecessor’s alleged reluctance to assume administrative responsibilities. “For the first time during my tenure, I have seen a chief minister actively discharging the duties of his office,” he said.

In response, Chief Minister Atishi criticised the LG’s remarks, accusing him of doing “dirty politics” instead of focusing on the welfare of Delhi residents. “Kejriwal worked for the welfare of Delhi for nine and a half years. I am running the government on the path shown by him. The people of Delhi have made Kejriwal win time and again,” she said.

The exchange highlights the ongoing tensions between Delhi’s elected government and the Lieutenant Governor’s office, reflecting deep political disagreements within the Union Territory’s administration.