Delhi PWD Minister Atishi on Sunday wrote to Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena saying his directions seeking the seizure of records and directing executive action in connection with renovation of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence is “unconstitutional” and “undemocratic”.
In the letter, she urged the L-G to “withdraw his communication” and “restore the scheme of governance intended by the Constitution for Delhi and its people”.
“We hope that you will not force the elected government to approach the court once again in respect of your actions,” Atishi maintained.
Amid a row over crores of rupees spent on renovating Kejriwal’s official residence, Saxena has ordered officials to secure the records of expenditure and sought a report on the matter within 15 days.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been attacking Kejriwal and the AAP, claiming Rs 45 crore was spent on the renovation of the chief minister’s residence at 6, Flagstaff Road here during 2020-22.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) hit back, saying the BJP was trying to divert attention from real issues by raising this matter.
A Raj Niwas order, issued on 27 April, cited reports on alleged “gross irregularities” in the renovation of the CM residence by the Public Works Department (PWD).
In her letter to the LG, Atishi said his communication is “unconstitutional” and “undemocratic”.
As the PWD minister of the city, she noted that she is primarily responsible for all government business pertaining to the department.
She asserted that the L-G’s letter seeking the seizure of records and directing executive action is wholly outside the jurisdiction and authority of the office of the Lieutenant Governor, and bypasses the minister and the council of ministers concerned, who are democratically responsible for the business of the Delhi government