delhi-lg-marks-2-years-calls-tenure-challenging

Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena marked his two-year tenure on Sunday, describing it as challenging due to various hurdles since he assumed office in 2022. Reflecting on his tenure, Saxena highlighted the difficulties faced and acknowledged that while some progress was made, numerous projects were stalled.

 

He expressed gratitude to the people of Delhi for their support and reiterated the need to address and heal the city's ongoing issues.

 

Saxena’s relationship with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi has been fraught with conflicts over multiple issues. This tension was exemplified earlier this month when Saxena recommended a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

 

The recommendation was based on allegations that Kejriwal’s AAP received political funding from the banned terrorist organization "Sikhs for Justice."

 

According to Saxena, he received a complaint alleging that the AAP had accepted significant funds, amounting to USD 16 million, from extremist Khalistani groups.

 

These funds were purportedly for facilitating the release of Devendra Pal Bhullar and promoting pro-Khalistani sentiments. Saxena included a video in his complaint to the Union Home Secretary, in which Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a leader of the banned group, claimed that AAP received substantial funding from Khalistani sources.

 

In addition to the funding allegations, there have been other contentious issues between Saxena and the AAP government. In April, Saxena wrote an open letter to Chief Minister Kejriwal regarding the water crisis in Delhi.

 

This prompted a strong response from AAP minister Atishi, who blamed Saxena for the crisis, citing delays in the suspension of the CEO of the Delhi Jal Board.

 

Atishi accused Saxena of failing to act against officers obstructing work, despite repeated requests. She suggested that Saxena's inaction exacerbated the water crisis, which she claimed was artificially created. Atishi's response underscored the ongoing friction between the Lieutenant Governor and the AAP government.

 

Despite these challenges, Saxena remains focused on his duties and committed to resolving the city's issues. His acknowledgment of the difficulties faced during his tenure reflects the complex and often contentious nature of governance in Delhi.

 

As Saxena looks forward to continuing his work, the people of Delhi remain hopeful for positive changes and effective solutions to the city's pressing problems.