Jung’s resignation closes a chapter, but differences between the Delhi government and the Centre are likely to persist with a sharp political rivalry driving the animosity. Kejriwal has repeatedly claimed he was prevented from functioning by the Centre and the saffron party has responded with the charge that AAP had no interest in governance.
There were no indications of Jung’s replacements though political circles were abuzz with speculation over names that ranged from former home secretary Anil Baijal, retired bureaucrat Ashok Pradhan and former IAS officer Vijai Kapoor who was Delhi LG between 1998 and 2004. Official sources said guesswork was premature. The LG had met the PM on Wednesday .
Despite his genteel air, Jung displayed a combative streak and oversaw a tumultuous phase in Delhi’s politics, repeatedly clashing with Kejriwal on matters such as appointments to the anti-corruption bureau and of top bureaucrats.
Jung challenged the AAP government’s view that as an elected government, it had powers to make certain appointments and issue orders as constitutionally unsound and set up a committee to review some 400 decisions. The committee report has been submitted and will be on the top of his successor’s agenda.
