Flag Hoisting Controversy: Delhi LG and AAP Clash Over Independence Day Ceremonies

Paromita Dasa

GG News Bureau

New Delhi, 13^th August. The ongoing discord between the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Delhi and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has once again come to the forefront, this time over the issue of hoisting the national flag on Independence Day. The two sides have been locked in a prolonged power struggle, with frequent clashes over administrative control and decision-making authority in the National Capital Territory. This latest controversy, involving the rejection of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s proposal to have Delhi Minister Atishi hoist the tricolor at the state-level event, underscores the deepening rift between the LG’s office, which represents the central government, and the elected government of Delhi. As both sides dig in their heels, the conflict is further complicating governance in the capital, with significant political and constitutional implications.

Rejection of the Proposal: A Legal Standpoint

On Tuesday, the Delhi government’s GAD rejected Chief Minister Kejriwal’s directive that sought to authorize Atishi to hoist the national flag at the official Independence Day ceremony. The department cited legal grounds for the rejection, declaring that Kejriwal’s proposal was “legally invalid” and, therefore, could not be acted upon.

The GAD further criticized Kejriwal’s approach, highlighting that it was inappropriate for him to issue such a directive from Tihar Jail, where he is currently detained. The department stressed that communication or official directives issued from jail by a serving public official violate the rules and established norms, thereby rendering the proposal unacceptable.

Political Accusations: BJP’s Criticism

The rejection of Kejriwal’s proposal has provided ammunition for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of attempting to politicize the Independence Day celebrations. Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva was quick to condemn the AAP, accusing it of creating unnecessary controversy over a national event that should be above politics.

Sachdeva pointed out that AAP leaders, including Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai, had been spreading the notion that Minister Atishi would be hoisting the flag at the state-level ceremony. He emphasized that this misinformation was part of a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and create a spectacle out of the Independence Day celebrations.

Furthermore, Sachdeva referred to a letter from the Tihar Jail Superintendent, which reportedly stated that Kejriwal, being in jail, cannot issue any official directives or requests. This letter, according to Sachdeva, exposes the “lies” propagated by AAP leaders, who were attempting to manipulate the narrative to suit their political agenda.

Gopal Rai’s Defense and Appeal to the LG

In response to the GAD’s rejection, senior AAP leader Gopal Rai has continued to assert that Atishi should hoist the flag on Independence Day. Rai has argued that the directive was issued with the best intentions, aiming to allow Kejriwal to focus on legal matters while ensuring the event was conducted by a capable representative.

Rai also accused the LG and the GAD of being overly bureaucratic and obstructive, suggesting that the refusal to permit Atishi to hoist the flag is another example of the central government’s interference in the functioning of the Delhi government. He has called for the LG to reconsider the decision and has appealed for a consultation with constitutional experts to resolve the issue.

The Protocol Debate: Who Gets to Hoist the Flag?

According to the rules governing Delhi’s administration, the authority to hoist the national flag on major occasions like Independence Day and Republic Day traditionally lies with the Lieutenant Governor, the Chief Minister, and other senior officials. The LG’s office has argued that allowing a state minister to hoist the flag would breach established protocol.

However, AAP has countered this argument by highlighting previous instances where state ministers, including those from Delhi, have been allowed to hoist the tricolor on such occasions. They argue that the refusal in Atishi’s case is politically motivated and reflects the ongoing power struggle between the elected government and the LG’s office.

Political Reactions: AAP vs. the Centre

The denial has quickly escalated into a major political issue, with AAP leaders launching a scathing attack on the LG and the central government. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, in a strongly worded statement, condemned the decision as an affront to democracy and the people of Delhi. He accused the LG of acting as an “agent of the central government,” bent on obstructing the work of the elected representatives of Delhi.

Atishi, on her part, expressed disappointment and frustration over the decision. She took to social media to voice her concerns, stating, “It is a sad day for democracy when an elected representative is barred from participating in the nation’s most significant day of celebration. This is not just an insult to me but to every citizen of Delhi who voted for change.”

Opposition parties, including the Congress and the BJP, have largely remained silent on the issue, though some BJP leaders have supported the LG’s decision, emphasizing the importance of following protocol.

Public Sentiment and Media Coverage

The incident has generated significant public interest and media coverage, with many viewing it as yet another chapter in the ongoing battle for power in Delhi. Social media platforms have been abuzz with debates, with hashtags like #FlagPolitics and #JusticeForAtishi trending on Twitter. Public opinion appears divided, with some supporting the LG’s adherence to protocol, while others express outrage over what they see as an unnecessary and politically motivated decision.

Various media outlets have highlighted the broader implications of the incident, questioning the balance of power between the elected government and the LG in Delhi. Some editorials have called for a review of the current administrative framework, arguing that it is leading to frequent conflicts that undermine governance.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

As Independence Day draws closer, the controversy over the flag hoisting at Chhatrasal Stadium remains unresolved. The rejection of Kejriwal’s proposal by the GAD has only deepened the rift between the Delhi government and the LG, raising concerns about the impact of such disputes on governance in the National Capital Territory.

The situation highlights the need for clear guidelines on the delegation of official duties, particularly in exceptional circumstances such as the incarceration of a sitting Chief Minister. Whether the Delhi government will pursue legal avenues or seek a compromise remains to be seen, but the incident is likely to have lasting implications for the already fragile relationship between the Delhi government and the central authorities.