LG Slams Kejriwal's 'Temporary CM' Tag; Everyone Elected Is Temp: Atishi

Delhi's lieutenant governor (LG) V.K. Saxena on Monday wrote to Chief Minister Atishi expressing his objection over Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal referring to her as a "temporary, makeshift CM" in a recent media interaction, calling the comment not just an "insult" to Atishi, but also the President of India who appointed her as per democratic principles enshrined in the Constitution.

Saxena's letter also objected to Kejriwal making "flimsy, unauthorized announcements" regarding a health care scheme for senior citizens and a monthly allowance for women in Atishi's presence, which, he argued, further discredited her leadership.

Hours later, Atishi responded, also by letter, saying she was "amused" by the LG's concern since "all elected members of the government are in fact temporary" because they remain in office only till the duration of their term. She also accused the LG's office of blocking government schemes, including the Mahila Samman Yojana, which promises ₹2,100 to women in Delhi, and of focusing on "criticism rather than constructive cooperation." HT has seen copies of both letters.

This exchange comes amid longstanding tensions between the LG's office and the AAP government, and is not the first time that the LG has publicly backed Atishi over party chief Kejriwal. On November 23, at a public event where she was present, Saxena said that Atishi was "a thousand times better" than her predecessor. On that occasion, Atishi spoke after the LG, but did not directly refer to his remarks about her.