AAP Demands Legal Action Against Delhi LG Over Rohini Drain Tragedy
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has escalated its political confrontation with the Delhi Lieutenant Governor by formally seeking the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against V.K. Saxena. This demand stems from the tragic death of an individual in a drain in Rohini, with the party alleging severe negligence on the part of the LG's office.
Allegations of Administrative Failure
In a strongly worded statement, AAP leaders accused Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena of failing to address critical drainage and sanitation issues in the national capital. The party claims that the LG, who holds significant administrative powers in Delhi, ignored repeated warnings and complaints about the hazardous condition of drains in Rohini and other areas.
The incident occurred when a person fell into an open drain in Rohini and drowned, highlighting what AAP describes as a systemic failure in urban infrastructure maintenance. Party officials argue that this was not an isolated event but part of a broader pattern of neglect under the LG's administration.
Political Context and Escalating Tensions
This development comes amid ongoing tensions between the elected AAP government led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the Lieutenant Governor's office. The AAP has frequently criticized the LG for obstructing governance initiatives and failing to cooperate on civic matters.
The demand for an FIR represents a significant escalation in this political battle, moving beyond verbal accusations to seeking formal legal accountability. AAP leaders have stated they will pursue this matter through all available legal and administrative channels until action is taken.
Broader Implications for Delhi Governance
The Rohini drain death case has sparked renewed debate about Delhi's unique governance structure, where power is divided between the elected government and the centrally-appointed Lieutenant Governor. Critics argue this arrangement often leads to administrative paralysis, particularly on issues of public safety and infrastructure.
AAP's move to seek criminal charges against the LG is unprecedented in Delhi's political history and could set important precedents for how accountability is enforced in the capital's bifurcated administration. The party has called for immediate corrective measures to prevent similar tragedies, including comprehensive drain safety audits and expedited repair works across the city.
As of now, the Delhi Police have not commented on whether they will register the FIR as requested by AAP. Legal experts note that charging a constitutional authority like the Lieutenant Governor requires substantial evidence of direct culpability, making this a complex legal and political challenge that will likely unfold over coming weeks.
