Delhi LG Saxena Praises Atishi, Says CM ‘Thousand Times Better’ Than Arvind Kejriwal

The relationship between the Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) and the Chief Minister’s office has taken an interesting turn with LG Vinai Kumar Saxena’s recent comments. During the 7th Convocation of the Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women (IGDTUW), Saxena praised Chief Minister Atishi, calling her “a thousand times better than her predecessor,” while also taking a subtle dig at AAP’s national convenor and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Key Highlights:

1. Praise for Atishi:
   LG Saxena commended Atishi, emphasizing the significance of having a woman as Delhi’s Chief Minister. His remark comparing her favorably to her predecessor is notable, given the historically contentious relationship between Saxena and Kejriwal.
2. A Celebration of Women in Tech:
   The event focused on the achievements of women in technology, with Saxena highlighting the importance of empowering young women to lead in a transformative era. His remarks celebrated the graduates’ role in shaping an equitable future.
3. Political Undertones:
   Saxena’s comparison comes against the backdrop of Arvind Kejriwal’s recent controversies, including his arrest in the Delhi excise policy case and his subsequent resignation as Chief Minister. Kejriwal’s decision to step down was framed as an opportunity for the public to “certify his honesty” in the upcoming elections.
4. Transition in Leadership:
   After Kejriwal’s resignation, Atishi took over as Delhi’s Chief Minister, becoming a key figure in the Aam Aadmi Party’s leadership. This shift may influence the party’s strategy ahead of next year’s assembly elections.
5. Upcoming Assembly Session:
   The Delhi Assembly’s winter session is scheduled from November 29 to December 3, where pressing political and governance issues are expected to be discussed. This will be Atishi’s first session as Chief Minister.

Analysis:

The LG’s remarks reflect the ongoing evolution in Delhi’s political dynamics. By praising Atishi, Saxena may be signaling a willingness to engage more constructively with the new leadership. At the same time, his veiled criticism of Kejriwal underscores the long-standing friction between the LG office and the AAP’s leadership.

As the assembly elections approach, these developments set the stage for intense political discourse, with Atishi’s leadership and Kejriwal’s future role in the spotlight.