Kejriwal-Jung tussle: MHA issues notification, says LG has jurisdiction over key matters

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, May 22, 2015: In an apparent setback for Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the Ministry of Home Affairs on Friday issued a gazette notification, specifying the role and powers of Lt Governor Najeeb Jung.

The MHA notification regarding the Union Territory’s administration states the LG has jurisdiction over matters of services, public order, police and land.

“Subject to his control and further orders, LG of the National Capital of Delhi, shall in respect of matters connected with ‘Public Order’, ‘Police’, ‘Land’ and ’Services’ exercise the powers and discharge functions of the Central government to the extent delegated to him from time to time by the President. Provided that LG may, in his discretion, obtain views of CM of Delhi in regards matter of ‘Services’, wherever he deems it appropriate,” states the MHA notification.

Click here to read the full MHA notification

The MHA clarified on the powers of the LG amid an ongoing turf war between CM Kejriwal and LG Najeeb Jung over posting and transfer of bureaucrats.

The row began after the LG appointed Shakuntla Gamlin as interim chief secretary of Delhi. The Kejriwal government opposed the appointment and accused Gamlin of favouring power distribution firms in the capital.

The row escalated after LG Jung annulled all recent bureaucratic postings by the Delhi government.

The two had also met President Pranab Mukherjee over the issue and the Kejriwal government urged him to intervene in the matter.

Also, in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kejriwal accused his government of trying to rule Delhi through the LG.