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Delhi LG Slams Atishi Over Non-Tabling of CAG Reports, ‘Consciously Chose Not To Adhere to Constitution’

November 29, 2024, 7:44 pm

In a strongly worded letter to Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena has accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of undermining constitutional accountability by failing to table the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports in the Delhi Legislative Assembly. The issue has reignited political tensions between the LG’s office and the ruling party, with Saxena calling the omission a “gross constitutional impropriety.”

Highlighting his concerns, LG Saxena stated, “It is unfortunate that the government of National Capital Territory of Delhi has consciously chosen not to adhere to this constitutional norm, thereby avoiding disclosure and public scrutiny of the performance of the government.” He referenced Article 151 of the Constitution, Section 48 of the Government of NCT of Delhi Act, 1991, and Regulation 210 of the Regulations on Audit and Accounts, 2007, to underline the mandatory nature of laying CAG reports in the Assembly.

The LG noted repeated communications on the matter, including letters to Atishi’s predecessor, Arvind Kejriwal, as early as February, and to the Speaker in August. “CAG is mandated not just to ensure financial propriety but to evaluate the efficacy of public expenditure. It pains me to write this communication to a government that won a popular mandate on the plank of transparency and accountability,” Saxena wrote.

The timing of the LG’s remarks—on the eve of the Assembly session and with elections looming—has added fuel to the political fire. Saxena further remarked, “Even as the Assembly reconvenes today—presumably for the last time before elections—the agenda and list of businesses so far do not reflect the laying of CAG Reports pertaining to government departments.”

Responding to the letter, a delegation of BJP MLAs met Saxena, demanding swift action to ensure the AAP government adheres to its constitutional duties. BJP leader Ramvir Singh Bidhuri accused the AAP of “running away from transparency,” saying, “This government talks about honesty but refuses to present audit reports. What are they hiding?”

The AAP, however, hit back, with party spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar calling the LG’s letter a politically motivated stunt. “The LG is interfering in the democratic functioning of the government yet again. This is a desperate attempt to malign the AAP government before elections,” she said.

Atishi, who also holds the finance portfolio, has yet to respond publicly to the allegations. However, political observers view the LG’s move as a strategic escalation in the long-standing power tussle between the LG’s office and the AAP government.

Saxena’s concluding remarks aimed to appeal to Atishi’s credentials: “You are an accomplished public leader with a stellar academic record. I am sanguine that you shall heed my counsel and uphold public trust during the ongoing session of the Assembly.”

Also read: PM Modi in Odisha: Spirit of Constitution Crushed; All Norms of Democracy Rejected By Opposition

With the Assembly session underway and the elections drawing closer, this clash over CAG reports is likely to dominate Delhi’s political narrative in the coming weeks.

LG Saxena: Atishi Better Than Kejriwal

November 22, 2024, 6:17 pm

In a rare commendation, Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena lauded Chief Minister Atishi, stating she is “a thousand times better” than her predecessor, Arvind Kejriwal. This unexpected praise comes amid a backdrop of political shifts and administrative challenges in the national capital.

Atishi’s Ascension to Chief Minister

Atishi, a prominent leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), assumed the role of Delhi’s Chief Minister on September 21, 2024. Her appointment followed the resignation of Arvind Kejriwal, who stepped down to address allegations related to the excise policy case. Kejriwal’s resignation was seen as a strategic move to uphold his party’s integrity and focus on clearing his name.

The swearing-in ceremony, held at Raj Niwas, was a subdued affair, reflecting the somber mood within the party due to Kejriwal’s departure. Atishi was administered the oath of office by LG VK Saxena, marking her as Delhi’s third woman Chief Minister, following in the footsteps of Sushma Swaraj and Sheila Dikshit. In her inaugural address, Atishi expressed deep respect for Kejriwal, referring to him as her “guru” and pledging to continue his vision for Delhi.

Lieutenant Governor’s Unprecedented Praise

The LG’s commendation of Atishi is particularly noteworthy given the historically strained relations between the Delhi government and the LG’s office. Saxena’s statement that Atishi is “a thousand times better” than Kejriwal suggests a potential shift towards a more collaborative governance model in Delhi. This praise underscores Atishi’s administrative capabilities and her potential to lead Delhi effectively.

Atishi’s Background and Vision

An Oxford University alumna and Rhodes Scholar, Atishi has been a key figure in Delhi’s education reforms. As an advisor to the education department under Kejriwal’s leadership, she played a pivotal role in transforming the city’s public education system, earning widespread acclaim for her efforts. Her tenure as Education Minister further solidified her reputation as a dedicated and effective administrator.

Upon taking office as Chief Minister, Atishi outlined her priorities, emphasizing the continuation of welfare schemes initiated by the AAP government. She highlighted the importance of improving public health infrastructure, enhancing education quality, and addressing environmental concerns, particularly air pollution—a perennial issue in Delhi. Atishi also expressed a commitment to fostering a transparent and accountable government, aiming to build trust between the administration and Delhi’s residents.

Political Implications and Future Prospects

The LG’s endorsement of Atishi may have significant political ramifications. It could signal a period of reduced friction between the Delhi government and the central authorities, potentially facilitating smoother implementation of policies and projects. This development might also influence public perception, bolstering Atishi’s standing ahead of the upcoming assembly elections scheduled for early next year.

However, challenges remain. Atishi’s administration must navigate the complexities of Delhi’s unique governance structure, where the LG holds substantial authority. Balancing this dynamic while delivering on her policy promises will be crucial for her tenure’s success.

Reactions to the LG’s praise have been mixed. AAP supporters view it as validation of Atishi’s leadership qualities and a positive omen for Delhi’s future. Conversely, critics argue that such endorsements should be measured against tangible outcomes and caution against premature conclusions.

Political analysts suggest that this development could alter the power dynamics within Delhi’s political landscape. A more harmonious relationship between the Chief Minister and the LG could lead to expedited policy implementations, benefiting the city’s populace.

Also read: Supreme Court Orders Delhi to Establish Checkpoints at All 113 Entry Points

Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena’s rare and emphatic praise of Chief Minister Atishi marks a significant moment in Delhi’s political narrative. As Atishi embarks on her tenure, this endorsement may pave the way for a more collaborative and effective governance model in the capital. The coming months will reveal how this newfound rapport translates into policy actions and impacts the lives of Delhi’s residents.

Kejriwal’s Janta Adalat Sparks Political Clash With BJP, Congress

September 22, 2024, 5:27 pm

Congress leader Sandeep Dixit criticized former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s Janta Adalat (public court) held at Jantar Mantar on Sunday, dismissing it as a “sponsored event.” In a sharp critique, Dixit said, “It is a sponsored Adalat, a TV event. Within 5-6 months, Kejriwal will become the permanent resident of Tihar Jail.” His comment alluded to ongoing corruption investigations surrounding the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader.

Kejriwal, addressing the public gathering earlier in the day, defended his political integrity, explaining that he entered politics not for personal gain but to serve the nation. “I resigned because I did not come into politics to do corruption or for the greed of the Chief Minister’s chair. I worked in Income Tax, and if I wanted, I could have earned crores. I came into politics for Bharat Mata, to change the country’s politics,” he declared.

Kejriwal expressed his disappointment over the corruption allegations against him, particularly from the BJP. “It hurts when BJP calls me a thief or corrupt. I resigned because I’m heartbroken. I want people to decide if I am honest or dishonest. If I were dishonest, could I give free electricity or build schools?”

The Janta Adalat was seen as Kejriwal’s effort to mobilize public support and gain momentum ahead of potential early elections in Delhi, as he seeks to advance the polls to November from the originally scheduled February.

Meanwhile, AAP leader Atishi was sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Delhi, along with five other ministers: Saurabh Bhardwaj, Gopal Rai, Kailash Gehlot, Imran Hussain, and Mukesh Ahlawat, marking a new chapter for the AAP government.

Also read: MP Manoj Tiwari Urges Inquiry into Liquor Policy and Infrastructure Improvements from New CM Atishi

This public event highlights the ongoing political tensions in Delhi, with Kejriwal facing challenges both from opposition parties and within the legal system.

Is Delhi Heading Towards President’s Rule? BJP’s Plea Sent to Home Ministry for Action

September 10, 2024, 2:10 pm

The question of whether Delhi might soon face President’s Rule has come to the forefront after President Droupadi Murmu forwarded a request from the Delhi BJP to the Ministry of Home Affairs. The BJP has called for the dismissal of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. According to Vijender Gupta, the Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, the memorandum submitted by BJP MLAs accusing the Delhi government of constitutional violations has been sent to the Home Ministry for review.

BJP’s Accusations Against the Delhi Government

Vijender Gupta stated that the AAP government’s failure to form the sixth Delhi Finance Commission and its lack of action on Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports are serious breaches of the Constitution. The BJP claims these oversights have hindered governance in the capital.

Appeal to President Murmu

On August 30, BJP MLAs, led by Vijender Gupta, met with President Murmu, urging her to address what they referred to as a “constitutional crisis” in Delhi. The crisis, they argued, is primarily due to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s imprisonment, which they claim has paralyzed the city’s administration. Gupta shared a letter from the President’s Secretariat, which confirmed that the President had acknowledged the memorandum and referred it to the Home Secretary for further action.

Kejriwal’s Arrest and Governance Concerns

The BJP expressed concern over Kejriwal’s continued tenure as Chief Minister despite being in jail for over four months due to his alleged involvement in the excise policy scam. According to the BJP, Kejriwal’s refusal to resign has caused a “complete collapse” of governance in Delhi, leading to delays in crucial administrative decisions and disruptions in essential services. The memorandum claims this is negatively impacting the lives of Delhi’s citizens.

Constitutional Violations Cited by BJP

The BJP accused the AAP government of failing to establish the sixth Delhi Finance Commission since April 2021, which violates Articles 243-I and 243-Y of the Indian Constitution. This failure has reportedly disrupted financial planning, especially for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

Additionally, the BJP criticized the Delhi government for not presenting 11 CAG reports to the Legislative Assembly. This has allegedly undermined transparency and the proper examination of the government’s financial dealings, raising concerns about the AAP government’s financial integrity.

Allegations of Corruption and Mismanagement

The memorandum also pointed to several allegations of corruption within the AAP government, including the Delhi liquor scam, which led to the arrest of senior ministers. Financial mismanagement within the Delhi Jal Board was also highlighted, with the government failing to prepare balance sheets for the years 2021-22 and 2022-23.

Furthermore, the BJP alleged that the Delhi government has been obstructing the implementation of central government welfare schemes, further deepening governance issues in the capital.

Calls for Article 356 to Be Invoked

A group of BJP MLAs, including Mohan Singh Bisht, Om Prakash Sharma, Ajay Mahawar, and others, joined Vijender Gupta in requesting President Murmu to invoke Article 356 of the Constitution, which would allow for the dismissal of the AAP government. They argued that the current governance situation in Delhi has deteriorated to such an extent that presidential intervention is necessary to uphold constitutional principles and protect democratic norms.

The BJP’s appeal to President Murmu signals increasing political tension in Delhi, with the future of the AAP government now in question as investigations and reviews continue.

Punjab’s AAP Government Sparks Youth Interest in Sports: ETO

August 11, 2024, 3:19 pm

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is actively working to reignite the interest of youth in sports, and the positive results of these efforts are now evident.

These sentiments were expressed by Punjab’s Minister of Power and Public Works, Harbhajan Singh ETO. He stated that it is a matter of great pride that hockey players from the holy city of Amritsar have won a bronze medal for India at the Paris Olympics.

Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO mentioned that Minister of Rural Development and Panchayats, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, along with district administration officials, have arrived to welcome the players. He added that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has already announced a reward of one crore rupees to encourage the athletes.

He further stated that since the formation of the Aam Aadmi Party government in the state, the “Kheda Watan Punjab Di” event has been organized, providing athletes with opportunities to compete at block, district, and state levels. He noted that the Amritsar team’s captain Harmanpreet Singh, along with Gurjant Singh, Shamsher Singh, and Jarmanpreet Singh, have played for the Indian team.

He also criticized previous governments for failing to implement a robust sports policy, which led to disappointment among athletes. However, the Aam Aadmi Party government has now emerged as a ray of hope for the youth of Punjab.

Delhi Weather: Dealing with Waterlogging After Record Rainfall? Report Here

June 28, 2024, 9:40 pm

The government has introduced new measures to address Delhi weather issues related to waterlogging complaints in the city. Residents facing waterlogging problems can now contact the Public Works Department’s (PWD) Common Control Room at 1800110093. Additionally, Delhi minister Saurabh Bharadwaj announced that complaints can also be filed via WhatsApp by messaging 8130188222.

The India Meteorological Department reported that the Safdarjung observatory recorded 234.5 mm of rainfall between June 1 and June 28, the third-highest in 124 years. Minister Atishi highlighted that Delhi received 228 mm of rain in just 24 hours, leading to overflowing drains and increased waterlogging, particularly in South Delhi.

Steps Taken By Delhi Government

To combat waterlogging, the Delhi Jal Board has been instructed to purchase one Recycler machine for each of the 11 locations in the city to clear large-scale blockages. The sewer department has also been asked to arrange contract labor for sewer cleaning. Bharadwaj noted that the lack of stormwater drains is causing water to flow out of sewer lines, posing a risk of blockages.

The Delhi government has also mobilized traffic police, local councilors, and MLAs to identify waterlogged areas. The Chief Secretary has been tasked with coordinating with relevant departments to resolve these issues. Quick Response Teams will be formed across all departments, and a PWD Control Room will be operational 24/7 with officers on duty around the clock. All departmental pumps will be checked by 10 pm each night to ensure they are functioning properly, and mobile pumps will also be reviewed.

Full Refunds For Cancelled Flights

The central government has announced the establishment of a 24/7 War Room under the Ministry of Civil Aviation to ensure passengers receive full refunds for canceled flights or alternative travel route tickets. Refunds will be processed within seven days. Contact details, including phone numbers for immediate assistance, will be provided to passengers.

War Room Helpline Numbers:

Indigo Airline:

T2 Terminal: 7428748308

T3 Terminal: 7428748310

SpiceJet:

T3 Terminal: 0124-4983410/0124-7101600, 9711209864

Supreme Court Pulls Up Delhi Govt. Over Water Crisis

June 12, 2024, 12:23 pm

Amidst the scorching heatwaves and persistent power outages plaguing the national capital, Delhi, a new crisis has emerged – a dire water shortage.

And recently, the Supreme Court has pulled up the Delhi government over the presence of the Tanker mafia, prevailing in the national capital and also questioned government over water crisis faced by the citizens.

Later, the apex court warned the Delhi’s government for sending police, if they can’t deal with the issue of tanker mafia.

It also demanded answers over the measures taken by the government to deal with the problem of water wastage, as water scarcity continue to persist in the city.

Taking cognizance of visuals shown by news channels, court also emphasized on the sufferings on people.

Later, the supreme court also ordered Delhi government to fill an affidavit regarding the measures it has taken to contain waster wastage.

Earlier, city’s Lt Governor VK Saxena, had a meeting with Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday, where the latter asserted, that water is being provided to country’s capital as per its given share.

Furthermore, from the last two weeks, both political parties AAP and BJP continue to indulge in war of words, where the former, alleged, that BJP led Haryana is deliberately restricting Delhi’s share of water.

While Delhi’s BJP president Virendra Sachdev has also alleged, that Delhi’s water is stolen due to city’s ruling government’s approval and has also accused, Delhi Jal Board and city’s government officers for creating this water crisis.

However, Delhi’s Lt governor recently had a meeting with both Delhi ministers Atishi and Saurabh Bhardwaj on Monday. And had promised them, that he’ll talk to Haryana government and also advised the ministers to refrain themselves from indulging in blame game. Thus, advocating for smooth resolution of the issues.

Erstwhile SAD govt was instrumental in developing Greater Mohali area: Sukhbir Badal

May 4, 2024, 4:02 am

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal today said the erstwhile SAD government was instrumental in developing the Greater Mohali area which was set to eclipse Gurgaon besides creating world class education and research facilities and a thriving Information Technology sector.

The SAD president also appealed to the people to vote for the SAD to pave the way for expansion of the Greater Mohali area into a metropolis which would further augment employment and generate revenue for the State.

The SAD president made these comments during the ongoing Punjab Bachao Yatra which received a phenomenal response in both Kharar and Mohali assembly constituencies. Mr Sukhbir Badal, who was accompanied by the party’s Sri Anandpur Sahib candidate – Prof Prem Singh Chandumajra, interacted with people across both constituencies. Youth thronged to the Yatra in both constituencies and also mobbed the SAD president in Mohali where he was profusely garlanded and showered with flower petals at every stop.

Thanking the people for according massive welcome to the Punjab Bachao Yatra, Mr Sukhbir Badal said “this is also a reward for the party which has developed Mohali from a sleepy town into a bustling city which is growing by the day”. He said the SAD had not only planned the orderly and scientific expansion of Mohali and Kharar but had also created world class infrastructure and institutions.

Asserting that the international airport established in Mohali by the former SAD government had resulted in the speedy development of the city and resulted in an increase in commerce besides connectivity with the outside world, Mr Badal said “the IT sector has also taken ground in Mohali due to the airport”. He also disclosed how he had himself persuaded industry heads to establish the Indian School of Business in Mohali while adding that the previous SAD governments were behind the establishment of the world famous IISER and the Institute of Nano Science and Technology in Mohali. He also disclosed how he had personally visited heads of IT companies in Bangalore and Hyderabad and urged them to establish facilities in Mohali.

Industry association members and even residence welfare associations also met the SAD president and disclosed that all infrastructure development had come to a close in Kharar and Mohali since the last seven years during the previous Congress and present AAP government tenure. People said forget infrastructure development; even infrastructure which had been built during the SAD tenure was not being maintained. They also complained that in Kharar the municipal council was deliberately being starved of funds while Mohali city was being completely ignored by the AAP government.

Incharges for both constituencies Ranjit Singh Gill and Parvinder Singh Sohana, along with other leaders including Kamaljit Singh Ruby, Harjeet Singh Bhullar, Ajaypal Singh Middukhera and Paramjit Singh Kahlon also accompanied the SAD president during his Yatra in Kharar and Mohali.

Arvind Kejriwal orders CAG audit of Delhi Jal Board following allegations of corruption

December 6, 2023, 12:40 pm

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has ordered a CAG audit of the water board’s last 15 years after the opposition questioned the Delhi Jal Board’s financial practices. the finance department’s objections and worries about mismanagement and financial irregularities.

CM Kejriwal said “Opposition is levelling some allegations. So, with this, (audit) everything will be crystal clear. We have ordered a CAG audit of the Delhi Jal Board for the last 15 years. If someone has done something wrong, they will be punished. If there is no discrepancy, the truth will come out.”
He further said that due to non-release of funds, a huge problem of water and sewerage is going to arise in the entire Delhi.

“If this entire bureaucracy is not accountable to the elected government, it will become impossible to run the government. At present, due to funds not being released to the Jal Board, a huge problem of water and sewerage is going to arise in the entire Delhi. They are not releasing Delhi Jal Board’s second instalment of grant-in-aid,” Kejriwal said.

Previously, Bhartiya Janata Party spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia accused Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of being ‘crime master Gogo’, a fictional character who dupes people and accused the AAP government of discrepancies in the Delhi Jal Board’s (DJB) tendering process for upgrading its sewage treatment plants.

The BJP leader said ten sewage treatment plants in the city were divided into two categories and only upgradation was to be done in the first category, while in the second category, the work was related to increasing the capacity.
Delhi Minister Atishi also wrote to Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena demanding suspension and disciplinary action against Finance Secretary Ashish C. Verma for allegedly stopping funds of Delhi Jal Board citing non-release of funds can lead to a public health crisis soon.

Diwali 2023: National Capital Grapples with Thick Smog, Residents Urged to Take Precautions

November 13, 2023, 9:23 am

Delhi finds itself engulfed in a dense layer of smog post-Diwali, exacerbating the already dire pollution situation in the national capital. The aftermath of festive firecracker celebrations has contributed to heavy pollution, evident in visuals displaying thick haze, reduced visibility, and a palpable deterioration in air quality.

Notably, Delhi has been grappling with escalating pollution levels over the past few weeks, with Air Quality Index (AQI) readings frequently entering the ‘severe’ category. The impact of Diwali celebrations is expected to further deteriorate air quality, posing a significant challenge for residents.

The Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government had previously imposed a complete ban on firecrackers, and in response to the pollution crisis, even contemplated the idea of ‘artificial rain’ to address the foul air until unexpected rainfall provided temporary relief.

However, recent reports and social media posts indicate widespread firecracker burning in various locations, including Lodhi Road, RK Puram, Karol Bagh, and Punjabi Bagh. This suggests that despite awareness campaigns like the Delhi government’s ‘Diya Jalao, Patakhe Nahi’ and Supreme Court orders, a substantial number of people engaged in fireworks on Diwali night.

Data from the past week indicates that Delhi’s air quality has consistently been at its worst, with PM 2.5 concentration reaching levels 20 times higher than the World Health Organisation’s prescribed limit. In response, the city government has closed all primary classes and restricted the entry of trucks.

As festivities conclude, the looming concern is that despite concerted efforts to curb firecracker usage, rising pollution is likely to cast a shadow over the city, emphasizing the formidable challenge of maintaining air quality in the post-Diwali period.

Delhi AQI: AAP works to enforce Supreme Court air quality rules, holds meeting

November 8, 2023, 1:40 pm

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai led a meeting involving relevant departments to ensure compliance with the Supreme Court’s instructions regarding pollution. Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot and Revenue Minister Atishi were also present during the meeting.

Rai emphasized that the AAP government would adhere to the Supreme Court’s pollution control guidelines. The Supreme Court has issued directives related to curbing pollution in Delhi, including putting an end to stubble burning in states where it occurs.

Despite deteriorating air quality and the ongoing pollution concerns affecting people’s health, reports of stubble-burning incidents in the Mamdot area of Ferozepur, Punjab, continued.

The national capital remained shrouded in a thick toxic haze, with air quality categorized as “severe,” as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on Wednesday.

The Supreme Court expressed grave concerns about the hazardous air quality in Delhi and directed that farmers cease stubble burning immediately in Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh, considering it a major contributor to air pollution. The court also noted that the smog towers installed as per a prior order were not functioning and instructed the government to ensure their repair.

The top court further asked the chief secretaries of the respective states to hold a meeting, either physically or via Zoom, to address the pollution issue. It was observed that schemes like odd-even for vehicles, which have been used in the past to tackle pollution, were seen as mere optics.

Air pollution during winter months can be attributed to various factors, including dust and vehicular pollution, dry-cold weather, stubble burning, crop residue burning, and increased commuting.

AAP Government Under Fire: Delhi LG’s Office Accuses Them of Misleading the Public on Odd-Even Scheme

November 8, 2023, 12:19 pm

The Lieutenant Governor’s Office released an official statement on Tuesday, accusing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi of misleading and deceiving the public regarding the implementation of the odd-even scheme to address the deteriorating air quality in the national capital.

The statement declared that the AAP government’s recently announced odd-even scheme aimed at combatting air pollution post-Diwali was primarily an attempt to divert attention away from the ongoing severe crisis in the capital caused by air pollution. It revealed that the decision to implement the odd-even scheme, as a part of measures under GRAP-IV (Graded Response Action Plan), was not approved by Minister (Environment) Gopal Rai.

Furthermore, the statement clarified that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s office had deferred the decision regarding the odd-even plying of vehicles since the CM was out of town at that time. The released statement also outlined various proposals, including the discontinuation of physical classes up to class XI, conducting lessons online, and operating public, municipal, and private offices at 50% strength.

Although Gopal Rai and the Chief Minister approved all the proposals, they sought expert advice before deciding on the implementation of the odd-even vehicle scheme. Subsequently, the file was sent to the LG Secretariat for approval. The LG Secretariat has raised concerns over this deliberate misrepresentation and conveyed them to the CM Office.

In response, Gopal Rai explained, “The government has decided to implement the Odd-Even Vehicle Scheme, and we have seen some observations in the media regarding that. After studying the Supreme Court’s order, we will create detailed plans and inform everyone. We will incorporate the Supreme Court’s orders into the detailed planning.”

The government had initially made the decision to implement the scheme on November 13 but decided to finalize the details after studying the Supreme Court’s order.

Kejriwal says- I’don’t know whether I’ll be in Jail or Free…” during a Roadshow in Madhya Pradesh

November 2, 2023, 7:01 pm

Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party national convener, opted to skip a summons by the Enforcement Directorate related to an alleged money laundering case connected to the excise policy scam. Instead, Kejriwal held a rally in Waidhan. During this event, he addressed the people of Madhya Pradesh, expressing concern about his legal situation on the day of the election results’ announcement and encouraging their support for the AAP.

The Delhi chief minister urged the people of Madhya Pradesh to vote for his party in the coming assembly polls and said that he was not sure whether he would be in jail or out when the results are declared but expected the people to show faith in AAP like they did in Delhi and Punjab.

“Just like the people of Delhi and Punjab voted for the AAP, the people of Madhya Pradesh will also do the same in the coming days. I don’t know whether I will be in jail or somewhere else on the day of counting, but everyone should say that Arvind Kejriwal came to Singrauli and we gave him a historic victory,” the AAP national convenor said while addressing a roadshow in Waidhan. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was also present at the roadshow.

In response to the ED summons, Kejriwal challenged the notice’s legitimacy, alleging political motives and demanding its retraction. He claimed that the summons was vague and strategically leaked to certain BJP leaders. Previously summoned by the CBI in connection with the case, Kejriwal wasn’t named as an accused in the First Information Report (FIR) lodged the previous year.

Madhya Pradesh is set to conduct elections on November 17, with the results expected on December 3, making it one of the five states holding elections this year.

AAP appoints Sah Prabharis (co-incharges) in states, UTs

April 30, 2023, 5:37 pm

On Sunday, the Aam Aadmi Party appointed Sah Prabharis (co-incharges) in several states and union territories across the country.

The party named 4 Sah Prabharis in Chattisgarh, as well as one each in Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, and Jammu and Kashmir. Chattisgarh’s office bearers are Hardeep Mundia, Nareshbhai Punabhai Baria, Niranjan Vasawa, and Garry Birring.

Guneesh Aggarwal will take over as Sah Prabhari in Himachal Pradesh. Prabhbir Brar and Bari Salmani will be in charge of Jammu and Kashmir, respectively. In Bihar, Abhinav Rai has been appointed as the Sah Prabhari. Sandeep Pathak, AAP’s Rajya Sabha MP General Secretary (organization), appointed the Sah Prabharis in each state and union territory.

Earlier on 22 April, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) made an organizational change in its bid to expand its wings in South India, naming Advocate Vinod Wilson Mathew as the new president of its Kerala unit and PC Cyriac as National Joint Secretary.

The party also named two State Vice Presidents, one State General Secretary, two State Secretaries, one State Treasurer, ten different Wing Presidents, and fourteen District Presidents.

Former Punjab CM Channi summoned by Vigilance Bureau for disproportionate assets case

April 12, 2023, 10:50 am

According to official sources, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau has summoned former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi to appear for questioning on Wednesday in an alleged disproportionate assets case.

According to them, the Congress leader has been summoned to the bureau’s office in Mohali. This is the first time Channi has been called in for questioning in the case.

The Vigilance Bureau initially summoned Channi on Wednesday, but changed the date after the Congress leader requested time. Channi stated, “I will appear before the Vigilance Bureau on 20 April.”

Previously, on 7 March, the Vigilance Bureau issued a lookout circular against Channi, preventing him from flying abroad. Channi announced in a video message two days later that he was cancelling his trip to the United States. The Enforcement Directorate arrested Channi’s nephew Bhupinder Singh, alias Honey, in February last year in an alleged illegal sand mining case. The ED had seized nearly Rs 10 crore in addition to a number of valuables from Honey’s premises. It has been claimed that Honey amassed his fortune by assisting mining contractors and through official transfers and postings. ED also summoned Channi in April of last year to record his statement. Channi had previously described his nephew’s arrest and summons as a vendetta and political witch hunt.

Channi left for the United States and Canada shortly after the Congress’ humiliating defeat in last year’s Assembly elections, in which he was the party’s CM face, and returned nearly seven months later in December. Channi had previously run unsuccessfully for the Chamkaur Sahib and Bhadaur Assembly seats.

On Tuesday, Channi claimed that the Vigilance Bureau summons were a “political witch hunt” and that he was summoned because of political vendetta. “The AAP government is doing this to defame the established leadership of the Congress party,” Channi explained.

He also questioned the VB summon’s timing. “This was done on purpose ahead of the Jalandhar Lok Sabha bypoll,” he added.

In the aftermath of a “humiliating defeat” in the Jalandhar Lok Sabha bypoll, state Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring accused the AAP government of “choosing to resort to its last weapon, the vigilance bureau.”

“Faced with a certain and humiliating defeat in the Jalandhar bypoll, the AAP resorts to its last weapon, the vigilance bureau.” “Charanjit Channi has faced far more serious threats than an investigation, and I am confident he will emerge stronger,” Warring wrote in a tweet.

Warring later claimed in a statement that the AAP government is “anti-Dalit” and has plan to target and harass dalit leaders. The election for the Jalandhar parliamentary seat will be held on 10 May with the results announced on 13 May. The byelection was called after Congress MP Santokh Singh Chaudhary’s death in January at the age of 76. He died of a cardiac arrest while participating in the party’s Bharat Jodo Yatra in Jalandhar’s Phillaur.

Congress, BRS and AAP seek an investigation into the Hindenburg-Adani case and criticise the “misuse of central investigative authorities.”

March 14, 2023, 12:42 pm

Before the second portion of the Budget session started on Monday, opposition leaders staged a protest against the Central government in front of the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Parliament.
Members from the Congress, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and the Aam Aadmi Party protested in front of Parliament over the alleged abuse of federal investigative agencies and demanded that the Hindenburg-Adani matter be investigated by a joint parliamentary committee (JPC). 16 parties took part in the meeting of opposition party leaders earlier on Monday in Parliament, which was presided over by Mallikarjun Kharge, head of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha.

Aam Admi Party, Kerala Congress, Rashtriya Lok Dal, Nationalist Congress Party, Communist Party of India, Indian Union Muslim League, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray), Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Revolutionary Socialist Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, and the NC were among the 16 parties that made up the coalition.
After a one-month break, the Budget session’s second half began on Monday.
Due to protests from the opposition and calls for a JPC investigation into the Adani problem, the first half of the Budget session also experienced numerous interruptions and adjournments.

Delhi HC asked AAP leaders to remove defamatory post against BJP’s Shyam Jaju

February 24, 2023, 4:55 pm

In an interim order, Delhi HC directed several AAP leaders to remove defamatory content against BJP leader Shyam Jaju and his son, Sandesh Jaju which the opposition made during the press conference.

The court while passing the interim order stated that a prima facie case has been made out in favor of the plaintiffs.

The BJP leader and his son approached the High Court and filed a civil suit stating that the statements made by the Defendants Saurabh Bharadwaj, Durgesh Pathak, Sanjay Singh and Dilip Pandey against the Plaintiffs, in a series of press conferences held on January 22 which are ex facie false and unsubstantiated, per se defamatory, slanderous and libellous.

The aforesaid series of press conferences deliberately coincided with certain political events in Delhi and were carried out through a media blitzkrieg to cause irreversible damage to the reputation of the Plaintiffs.

The suit also stated that it also caused irrevocable harm to the personal, professional and mental well-being of the Plaintiffs. The bench of Justice Navin Chawla on Friday asked the AAP leaders to remove the defamatory content and to desist from making future statements against the Plaintiffs.

BJP protests against Delhi government over Feedback Unit case

February 9, 2023, 2:03 pm

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday staged a sit-in protest in the national capital seeking First Information Report (FIR) against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the ‘Feedback unit’ case. The protesting BJP leaders at Shahidi Park in ITO were seen sloganeering with binoculars alleging the Delhi government is spying on the Opposition. The protest, led by Delhi’s BJP Working President Virendra Sachdeva and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, demonstrated against the Kejriwal Government at the Secretariat ITO.

Arvind Kejriwal reached Tyagraj Stadium to interact with the teachers

January 22, 2023, 12:58 pm

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, to meet government school teachers who went to countries such as Finland, the United States and the United Kingdom for training in the past. Over 1,000 teachers have visited other countries for training programmes over the past few years under the Aam Aadmi Party.

Directorate of Information and Publicity issues notice to AAP, says properties will be sealed if not complied with

January 12, 2023, 12:04 pm

The Aam Aadmi Party on Wednesday was issued a notice by the Directorate of Information and Publicity (DIP) giving it a total of 10 days to deposit 163.62 crores. The notice was served for its political advertisements published allegedly in the form of government advertisements in the year 2016-17.

DIP on Wednesday issued the recovery notice, to the AAP. The Notice stated that it said had violated the guidelines on political advertisements issued by the Supreme Court and cost the State exchequer. According to sources, if the AAP fails to make the payment, legal action, including sealing of the office of the AAP and attachment of the properties of the party shall be done.

VK Saxena, the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, had on December 19, 2022, directed the Delhi chief secretary to recover Rs 99.31 crore spent on advertisements in 2015-2016 from the AAP. The notice by DIP includes Rs 99.31 crore as principal and Rs 64.31 crore as interest.

In its judgements of May 2015 and March 2016 on a batch of writ petitions, the Supreme Court constituted in April 2016 a three-member Committee of Content Regulation of Government Advertising (CCRGA) under the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Its purpose was to regulate the advertising content and eliminate unproductive expenditure of government revenue.

After a complaint was filed by the Ajay Maken of the Congress Party, the CCRGA initiated an investigation and found certain advertisements by the Delhi government in violation of the apex court’s guidelines. The CCRGA thus directed the Delhi government’s DIP to quantify the amounts spent on such advertisements and recover the same from the AAP.

In its order on September 16, 2016, the CCRGA said “the main purpose and objectives of the guidelines framed by the Supreme Court was to prevent misuse of government fund for the projection of image of the politician or the political party in power.” “Since the same has happened even after the Supreme Court judgment, the only way it can be rectified is to make the political party, the main beneficiary in the process of violation, pay for the expenditure incurred by the government.”

A review petition was filed by the AAP government on September 22, 2016, which was dismissed by the committee on November 11, 2016.

A final opportunity is hereby given to the AAP to reimburse the amount within 10 days failing which further necessary action as per law will be taken

‘Kejriwal is following Lalu Prasad Yadav’s ‘loot’ model’, says Anurag Thakur

December 3, 2022, 6:00 pm

Taking a dig at Aam Aadmi Party Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Union Minister Anurag Thakur said the AAP government is following Lalu Prasad Yadav’s “loot” model.

Addressing a press conference Union Minister Anurag Thakur on Saturday said, “Earlier, we saw ‘Chaara Ghotala’, now, there is a government, whose name is involved in not one but several corruptions. Arvind Kejriwal has presented a new model of corruption. Lalu Prasad Yadav’s ‘loot’ model is being followed by Kejriwal in Delhi.”

Firing a fresh salvo Union Minister said, if he brings all the documents of corruption then a truck would be needed.

“The AAP government is involved in liquor, education, and DTC bus scams. Now, they have even deprived laborers of their rights. If I have to bring all the documents of his corruption, I would need a truck I want to ask Arvind Kejriwal if he is even able to sleep properly at night,” Thakur said.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Thakur said, in the name of laborers Delhi government has “misallocated” funds into “fake” accounts.

Union Minister Thakur further stated, “If we look at the documents, it is very clear that they have allocated fake jobs to fake people with fake mobile numbers, some of them being traced in even Haryana and Andhra Pradesh. So, the money that was to be given to the laborers, was given to Arvind Kejriwal and his ‘friends’. They have robbed the laborers of their rights.”

Ahead of MCD elections Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur has exuded confidence that BJP will win the MCD elections.

“The corrupt Aam Adami party has many frauds, from the health minister who is in jail to the education minister trapped in liquor swindle; it is the party of liars,” Thakur said.

Moreover, Thakur further said, “Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has only three main agendas and these are alcohol, corruption, and fraud.”

However, on 4 December the Municipal Corporation of Delhi will be held to the 250-ward and counting will take place on 7 December.