AAP Accuses BJP of Backdoor Control as Delhi LG Gains More Powers

AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj claims the BJP is attempting to control Delhi through backdoor means via the LG, as President Murmu empowers LG Saxena to form and appoint members to various boards and panels.

After President Droupadi Murmu empowered Delhi LG VK Saxena to form and appoint members to boards and panels in the national capital, AAP leader and Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj alleged on Wednesday that the BJP wants to take control of Delhi through the backdoor. The AAP leader said LG Saxena is acquiring more power without fulfilling his responsibilities.

'When it comes to his responsibility and accountability, LG Sahab is not working. Thousands of doctors need to be recruited, posts in hospitals need to be created, and poor bus marshals are becoming unemployed. LG Sahab has stopped all this. And when it comes to acquiring powers, he is taking more and more,' Bhardwaj told ANI. He claimed the central government intends for the entire national capital to be governed by the LG.

'He is hiring a social media company for Rs 1.5 crore annually to gain fame through social media influencers. Powers of the elected government are being taken away and given to appointed officials,' Bhardwaj stated. 'The BJP cannot win elections in Delhi, so they seek to control it through alternative means, but that will not happen,' he added.

This follows President Murmu's delegation of powers to LG Vinai Kumar Saxena to appoint members to any authority, board, commission, or statutory body under any Parliament-enacted law applicable to the capital. The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a gazette notification on Tuesday stating that under article 239 of the Constitution paired with section 45D of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, the LG will exercise certain presidential powers.

(With inputs from agencies.)