New Delhi: Delhi’s senior-most minister, Atishi, is officially being assigned by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for the honour of unfurling the national flag on 15th August, Independence Day. This was indicated by officials on Wednesday, following the current detainment of Kejriwal on this self-same matter. He has been in jail since March 21 this year after being arrested in connection with an alleged scam in the now-repealed 2021-22 Excise Policy.
Since Kejriwal is still in legal woes, Atishi will perform the function of flag-hoisting since the Chief Minister usually carries out this ritual on this occasion, which releases the celebrations that happen annually on 15th of August at Chhatrasal Stadium. Kejriwal has been discharging this symbolic function since the time he came to power in the winter of February 2015, reiterating his government’s loyalty to the people of India and their freedom struggle.
Yielding flag- hoister is one of the important events in Atishi’s political life. She was made a minister in February of 2023 after Manish Sisodia, the Deputy Chief Minister, resigned over legal issues involving the excise policy matter. Sisodia’s resignation was after he was arrested and charges were pressed against him. The same applies to Kejriwal’s position in the government.
Kejriwal’s arrest on March 21 and his continued remand from the arrest till date, except for a short-term release on interim bail in the course of the Lok Sabha polls in May, has been responsible for a certain reorientation within the Delhi government. The decision to let Atishi hoist the flag revolves around the existing political threats, as witnessed by Kejriwal and the continuous operations of the Delhi administration.
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