The war of words over appointment of Delhi’s Acting Chief Secretary on Sunday continued with Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju accusing the AAP government of indulging in character assassination of Shakuntla D. Gamlin, a lady IAS officer, who hails from Assam and “disobeying” the Constitution.
Mr. Rijiju said the officer’s appointment was made by Lieutenant-Governor Najeeb Jung as per rules and the Delhi government was making allegations against her without any proof.
“This is nothing but character assassination of a lady IAS officer from the northeast. They are saying she is incapable. What are the charges against her? If she is involved in any corruption, bring charges against her. By making public statements against her, they are just indulging in character assassination, it is an insult to the people of northeast,” he said.
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Mr. Rijiju charged that the AAP government was trying to violate rules and disobeying the Constitution by questioning the authority of the LG.
The Minister strongly criticised the AAP’s charge that the Centre was attempting a “coup” in Delhi and questioned use of “undemocratic words” like coup.
“You keep saying that you are an elected government. But you must understand that the three municipal corporations in Delhi are also elected bodies. The Central government is also elected by the people. All work under the Constitution and follow rules.
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“Merely because you are an elected government does not mean that you have overriding powers and work against rules and the Constitution,” he said.