Campus inauguration row: Fresh tussle brews between AAP, Delhi LG

AAP says Delhi LG threatened officials to secure an invitation for the inauguration ceremony of the East Campus of IP University

| Updated: 08 June, 2023 9:32 pm IST
The inauguration of IP University's East Campus became a new flashing point in Delhi LG's ongoing tussle with AAP

NEW DELHI: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has raised serious concerns over the ‘interference’ of LG VK Saxena in the inauguration ceremony of the East Campus of IP University (IPU) on Thursday.

According to the AAP, the LG threatened various individuals, including the Vice Chancellor and officials of IP University, to secure an invitation to the event. Highlighting the significance of the issue, the AAP stated that the LG’s involvement in inaugurating an educational institute is unprecedented since independence.

Traditionally, such ceremonies have been presided over by Chief Ministers and education ministers, said an AAP leader. The party also questioned the LG’s authority to interfere in programs related to education, a transferred subject under the Delhi government.

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In response to the LG’s participation in the inauguration, the Aam Aadmi Party has challenged the Delhi LG, urging him to present a comprehensive list of the Centre’s contributions towards the construction of the IPU East Campus.

Additionally, the AAP has revealed that the LG pressured officials to display photographs of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the inauguration site, further demanding an explanation for the Prime Minister’s involvement and contributions to the project.

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Earlier in the day, AAP senior leaders and Delhi Cabinet Ministers Atishi and Saurabh Bhardwaj accused the Centre of failing on all fronts. They claimed that Centre’s eagerness to claim credit for the accomplishments of the Kejriwal government is a result of their shortcomings.

Atishi emphasised the relentless efforts put in by the Delhi government to fulfil the aspirations of the people and criticised the LG for attempting to steal credit at the last moment.

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Raising questions, Atishi questioned the necessity of the LG’s presence at the inauguration of IPU’s new campus, which is a state university. She highlighted that the planning of the new campus and courses was undertaken by the Kejriwal government, further questioning the LG’s motives for seeking credit.

Atishi also pointed out that the LG assumed office just a few months ago and questioned his desperation to take credit for the work done by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over the past eight years.

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She also highlighted the exposure of Prime Minister Modi’s failures by the LG. She said that the absence of a single university built by the BJP, where the Prime Minister’s photo could be displayed, highlights the party’s lack of contribution in the education sector.

While Saurabh Bhardwaj called upon the LG to disclose his contributions to the project. He urged the LG to provide a clear account of his involvement in the construction process, allowing the public to assess the extent of his contribution.

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He also highlighted the need for services to be under the control of the elected government. He stressed the importance of elected officials having authority over services to ensure effective governance and responsiveness to the needs of the people.

Saurabh Bhardwaj went on to express concerns about the prevailing fear within the bureaucracy due to the LG’s influence. He remarked that when the whole bureaucracy lives under the LG’s fear, he might as well come and inaugurate the Delhi Secretariat tomorrow.

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