The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has raised serious concerns over the interference of LG Vinai Kumar Saxena in the inauguration ceremony of the East Campus of IP University (IPU).
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.
The party also questioned the LG’s authority to interfere in programs related to education, a transferred subject under the Delhi government.
Earlier, Delhi Ministers Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj on Thursday alleged that Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena pressured the officials ofGuru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) and her department to take charge of inauguration of the east Delhi campus of the varsity, threatening them with suspension.
They accused the Centre of failing on all fronts and claimed that their eagerness to claim credit for the accomplishments of the Kejriwal government is a result of their shortcomings. The newly built campus of GGSIPU in east Delhi became the latest flashpoint between the AAP government and Saxena on Wednesday, with both sides claiming the right to its inauguration.
Addressing a press conference Thursday, Atishi said the GGSIPU is a state university which was planned and constructed by the Delhi government.
“Why did you pressure officials of the university and education department officials to get the campus inaugurated by you? Isn’t he aware that higher education is the responsibility of the Delhi government?
“Why does the Lt Governor want to take credit for all the work done by the Delhi government in the last eight years?
“Why was he there to inaugurate the new GGSIPU campus, a state university, when the Kejriwal Government is the one who planned its new campus and the courses?” she asked.
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.
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.
“During the same event, Atishi too was repeatedly interrupted by BJP’s hooligans. In response, she remarked, “This is why education is important — so that people don’t interrupt academic events.”
