In an unsolicited gesture of admiration, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena hailed the Chief Minister, Atishi as “a thousand times better” than her predecessor, Arvind Kejriwal with whom he has had several confrontational exchanges over legal and governance matters in a convocation at the Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women on Friday.
Saxena said it was nice to have a woman Chief Minister, highlighting the change in leadership. He made the remarks as Atishi stood by his side on the dais. Atishi was sworn in on September 21 and her appointment followed a brief, intense internal tussle within AAP over who would replace Kejriwal. The current Chief Minister quit shortly after his bail was granted in a controversial liquor policy scam, amidst looming elections.
In an earlier statement, Kejriwal said he would seek a “certificate of honesty” from Delhi’s people. Saxena had not been as courteous about Atishi in the past. In April, while Kejriwal was in jail, he expressed his disapproval of her and party peer Saurabh Bhardwaj for what he thought was their frivolous attitude while they discussed governance issues. Saxena also targeted former Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot, who was being projected as Kejriwal’s successor until he joined the BJP.
Last month, the Lieutenant Governor reportedly reprimanded Kejriwal over his failure to enforce Ayushman Bharat, the flagship health insurance scheme floated by the central government, while in office. The Lieutenant Governor reportedly called the Delhi government’s health scheme “a web of illusion” and said Kejriwal tried to suppress reports from central auditors.
There has been political friction between Saxena and Kejriwal, including when Kejriwal was imprisoned on corruption charges over the so-called liquor policy. The two have been critical of each other regarding the nomination of aldermen to the Municipal Corporation and even accused Saxena of obstructing the budget process.
Kejriwal’s government has consistently argued that the BJP-led central government, which appoints the Lieutenant Governor to the state of Delhi, has much influence over the affairs of the national capital.
Meanwhile, with a potentially tough third successive bid for the Assembly election coming up, AAP continues to face sustained attacks from BJP and Congress alike on everything from air quality to controversies involving the former Chief Minister.
