NEW DELHI: In a development that caught Delhi’s political circles by surprise, lieutenant governor Najeeb Jung resigned on Thursday , bringing the curtain down on a tenure marked by a bitter confrontation with chief minister Arvind Kejriwal over who had the real power to administer Delhi.
A statement issued by Jung’s office did not cite reasons for his resignation but said he would be returning to academics. Kejriwal said he was surprised by Jung’s decision and spoke to him after the news became public.
Though Jung’s resignation was unexpected, the Centre had considered seeking a replacement for him when his three-year term ended in June. However, he was allowed to continue.
Jung’s three-and-a-half years in office were dominated by frequent run-ins with Kejriwal over administrative control of Delhi, with the LG terming several decisions of the AAP government illegal for not following procedures. The LG won a crucial victory when the Delhi high court upheld his primacy in administering the capital but the battle is not yet over with the matter before the Supreme Court, which is hearing the appeal filed by the AAP government. The SC recently remarked that while Delhi was indeed a Union Territory , the elected government should have “some powers”.
