The recent inauguration of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University’s (GGSIPU) east Delhi campus has once again highlighted the ongoing power struggle between Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led city government. In a move that reeks of political opportunism, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal attempted to overshadow the event by announcing his own inauguration plans, leading to a clash of egos and a spectacle that diverted attention from the university’s achievements.
The Clash Between LG & CM:
The clash between the Lieutenant Governor’s office and the Chief Minister’s office over the inauguration of the GGSIPU east campus underscores the deep-rooted political tensions within Delhi’s administrative machinery. While the Chief Minister’s announcement of his plans to inaugurate the campus seemed calculated to take credit for the project, the Lieutenant Governor’s office expressed shock and disappointment, claiming that Kejriwal was fully aware of the scheduled inauguration by the Lieutenant Governor himself.
Kejriwal’s Desperation:
A video capturing Kejriwal’s speech at the inauguration reveals the frustration and desperation he felt when faced with an audience more interested in chanting slogans for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The poor response to his speech highlighted the disillusionment that has surrounded his leadership. Instead of addressing the concerns of the public and focusing on the university’s achievements, Kejriwal seemed more concerned about his own image and the credit he could claim for the Central government’s work.
Just watched a video of #Kejriwal giving a speech, but the audience was completely focused on shouting Modi Modi. The poor guy’s expression spoke volumes of his hopelessness. Seems like nobody wants to listen to Farzi Kartar Imandar. #Politics #HopelessMoment
And in the second… pic.twitter.com/OpQjD0ioQE
— Puneet Dhiman (@puneetdheman) June 8, 2023
The public’s response at the GGSIPU event reflects a growing sentiment that Kejriwal’s political opportunism has overshadowed his governance. By attempting to capitalize on the success of the university’s new campus, he further demonstrated his insincerity and disregard for the responsibilities of his office. Rather than embracing collaboration and recognizing the contributions made by different stakeholders, Kejriwal chose to prioritize his own political interests.
Total cost of the newly built east Delhi campus of GGSIPU: 378 cr
Fund approved by AAP: 41 cr
Fund used for renovation of Kejriwal Sheeshmahal: 45 cr.
Today he came to take credit for newly built campus 🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/keOxw0nK5O
— BALA (@erbmjha) June 8, 2023
Kejriwal’s continuous political maneuvering and his propensity for making false claims have eroded his credibility as a leader. The public present at the GGSIPU event not only exposed his opportunistic behavior but also responded with slogans that showed their disapproval of his tactics. Such a public backlash is indicative of the deep-seated frustration and disappointment felt by the citizens who had once placed their trust in him.
