As the Delhi government faces uncertainty over who will hoist the national flag on Independence Day, the General Administration Department (GAD) has declared that Atishi cannot perform the duty on behalf of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who remains in jail over the excise policy case. This decision follows GAD Minister Gopal Rai’s directive to make arrangements for Atishi to stand in for Kejriwal at the event.
The GAD, however, clarified that any communication from Kejriwal regarding the flag-hoisting, issued while he is in custody, lacks legal validity. Navin Kumar Chaudhary, Additional Chief Secretary of GAD, emphasized that such actions could undermine the constitutional sanctity of Independence Day, which must be celebrated according to strict protocols.
Despite the department seeking Kejriwal’s availability, the Chief Minister confirmed his unavailability due to his judicial custody. Consequently, the GAD is awaiting further instructions from higher authorities while preparing for the event at Chhatrasal Stadium.
In an attempt to address the situation, Kejriwal wrote to Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, proposing that Atishi hoist the flag in his place. However, Tihar jail authorities intercepted the letter, stating it violated Delhi Prison Rules, and the communication was not forwarded to the LG’s office.
As Independence Day approaches, the GAD’s ruling leaves the Delhi government scrambling for a resolution, highlighting the complications arising from Kejriwal’s current legal predicament.
