New Delhi: The General Administration Department threw a spanner in the works on Tuesday by refusing to comply with the Delhi Environment Minister’s directives to allow cabinet minister Atishi Marlena’s flag-hoisting ceremony.
GAD, however, added that all arrangements were in place to celebrate Independence Day at the city’s Chhatrasal stadium, as per the practice.
Responding to Environment Minister Gopal Rai’s directive, the GAD reiterated its commitment to upholding the supreme Constitutional sanctity of national events. It emphasised that any deviation or subjugation from the established norms would not only undermine the sanctity associated with them but may also amount to statutory illegality.
It also brought attention to rules 585, 588, 620, and 627 of the Delhi Prison Rules, 2018.
The GAD, while reiterating its respect for the Delhi Chief Minister’s role, stated that There are detailed provisions for celebrating national events as per the stature they deserve. It emphasised that no other authority can replace the Delhi Chief Minister in such ceremonies.
The GAD further informed that it is coordinating with all concerned departments and facilitating all arrangements for the Independence Day celebrations at the Chhatrasal stadium as per conventions. It also informed that the matter of the Delhi CM’s ‘absence’ has been raised with higher authorities.
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An official statement said, “The issue has been brought to the attention of higher authorities, and a decision is awaited.”
CM Arvind Kejriwal is incarcerated in prison over alleged money laundering in the Delhi excise policy scam.
Senior AAP leader Gopal Rai met Arvind Kejriwal in Tihar jail on Monday. Subsequently, they asked the GAD to arrange for Atishi Marlena to hoist the national flag instead of Arvind Kejriwal, as the latter expressed a desire for the same.
Every year, the Delhi government organises an Independence Day function at Chhatrasal Stadium, which an address by the Chief Minister follows.
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— IANS
