GAD thwarts Atishi’s flag hoisting plan

New Delhi: Throwing a spanner in the works, the General Administration Department (GAD) on Tuesday declined the Delhi Environment Minister’s directions to facilitate the flag hoisting ceremony by Cabinet Minister Atishi, instead of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. It, however, added that all arrangements are in place to celebrate the Independence Day at the city’s Chhatrasal stadium, as per the practice.

Replying to the directive by Environment Minister Gopal Rai, the GAD said that Independence Day and Republic Day are national events with supreme Constitutional sanctity, and any deviation or subjugation will not only undermine the sanctity associated with them but may also amount to statutory illegality. It also brought attention to the rules 585, 588, 620 and 627 of Delhi Prison Rules, 2018.

“There are detailed laid down provisions for celebrating them as per the stature they deserve,” it said and added that some other authority can’t fill in the place of the Delhi Chief Minister. 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 and also informed that the matter of Delhi CM’s ‘absence’ has been raised with higher authorities.