Leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta utilised the special session on Tuesday to launch a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party government and held its “negative attitude” responsible for the impasse over the division of powers with the Lieutenant-Governor.
Mr. Gupta said the controversy generated over the appointment of Shakuntala Gamlin as the acting Chief Secretary for just 10 days was “unwarranted”, as the Delhi Government needlessly raised questions about the L-G’s powers.
Mr. Gupta pointed out that the MHA notification of May 21 had merely clarified the position as it existed under a circular issued in 1994 specifying that the L-G could appoint or transfer the secretaries and principal secretaries in consultation with the Chief Minister. “The 1994 circular is valid today and the notification has reiterated the position.”
Amid repeated interruptions from the treasury benches, Mr. Gupta said the Chief Minister had the absolute powers to appoint the officers below the rank of secretaries. He said since Delhi did not have a State cadre of its own, the Centre had to intervene sometimes to clarify the position. Accusing the AAP government of resorting to anarchy every time it finds itself in a difficult situation, Mr. Gupta said even during the previous 49-day tenure last year, Mr. Kejriwal had announced that he would disrupt the Republic Day parade. “Moreover, how do you justify defaming a senior bureaucrat and locking another out for doing their jobs?”
