AAP vs LG: Legal Tussle Over Social Media Agency Row

The Delhi LG Secretariat plans to take legal action against AAP minister Saurabh Bharadwaj for criticizing its social media agency hire. Bharadwaj accused the LG of wasting taxpayer money. The LG Secretariat defends its actions, citing the need to counter misinformation. AAP vows to challenge the LG's immunity in court.

Tensions between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Delhi LG Secretariat escalated on Wednesday, with the latter announcing plans to take legal action against AAP Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj. The move comes in response to Bharadwaj's criticism of the Secretariat's decision to hire a social media agency.

The LG Secretariat has described Bharadwaj's language as 'abusive, defamatory, and patently false,' particularly regarding his allegations that the agency is being used to enhance the LG's image at the taxpayers' expense. They argued that the expenditure is necessary for countering fake news and gathering public feedback.

Reacting strongly, the AAP has accused LG V K Saxena of misusing his constitutional office. The party has vowed to take the matter to the Supreme Court, challenging the immunity from prosecution granted to the LG. The controversy has sparked a broader debate over the roles and responsibilities of Delhi's elected officials and the LG Secretariat.

(With inputs from agencies.)