Former Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung’s resignation from his office caught all political parties by surprise. Expressing surprise at the LG’s decision, Delhi CM Kejriwal was conciliatory. For Kejriwal, “Khatta Meetha toh chalta rehta hai zindagi mein” that is ups and downs are a part of our life. Despite his statement, the LG’s sudden demise left political parties in a state of unrest.
While Delhi BJP claims that the former LG was upset with CM Kejriwal’s accusations, Congress called this decision “unceremonious”.
Following Jung’s resignation from the office, he invited his biggest critic CM Arvind Kejriwal for a friendly breakfast the next morning. The meeting continued for about 40-minutes. When Kejriwal came out of Jung’s residence, he informed the media that the former LG resigned due to personal reasons. When the CM was asked if Jung’s decision would simplify the road ahead for him, Kejriwal gave a democratic reply.
“It all depends on who comes next”, he said.
Each political party had a different reaction to this situation. BJP leader Vijender Gupta, (Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly) said that the LG held a meeting with BJP delegation over safekeeping of municipal wards, this Wednesday. According to Gupta, Jung had expressed his displeasure at Kejriwal’s activities. He was irritated with the AAP government creating nuisance in the state.
Although BJP leaders knew that Jung will go on a week-long leave, they didn’t expect him to resign this soon.
The Congress, on the other hand, accused the ruling BJP government saying it’s perhaps the Centre that forced the LG to resign like they did in Raghuram Rajan’s case. However, Kiren Rijiju, Minister of state for Home slammed Delhi Congress saying they (Congress and AAP leaders) probably wanted Jung to resign with their permission.
Putting an end to all the speculations, Mr Jung spoke to the media personalities today.
“There is no politics behind this decision. It was in my mind since long. I’ve thought to quit twice before but the PM urged me to carry on. I’ve a mother who’s 95, kids and grandkids too. I need to give them time.”, he said.
While this may shut the haters for some time, but the real problem is who’ll replace Mr Jung at such a short notice. The Centre will have a tough time taking this decision.
