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Elected Minister Should Hoist Tricolour on I-Day, Politics Over it Unfortunate: Manish Sisodia

The article from Republic World, titled "Elected Minister Should Hoist Tricolour On I-Day, Politics Over It Unfortunate: Manish Sisodia," delves into the controversy surrounding the hoisting of the national flag on Independence Day in India. The piece focuses on the statements made by Manish Sisodia, the Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, who expressed his views on the matter. The article provides a detailed account of the political tensions and the underlying issues that have led to this situation.

Manish Sisodia, a prominent figure in the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), voiced his concerns over the ongoing political dispute regarding who should hoist the national flag on Independence Day. He emphasized that it is the elected minister who should have the honor of hoisting the Tricolour, and he found it unfortunate that politics was being played over such a significant national event. Sisodia's comments were made in the context of a broader debate about the roles and responsibilities of elected officials versus appointed bureaucrats in ceremonial functions.

The article outlines the background of the controversy, which stems from a directive issued by the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Delhi, Vinai Kumar Saxena. The LG had instructed that the flag hoisting ceremony at the Delhi Secretariat should be conducted by the Chief Secretary, an appointed bureaucrat, rather than by an elected minister. This decision sparked outrage among AAP leaders, who argued that it undermined the authority and dignity of elected representatives.

Sisodia's remarks were part of a series of statements made by AAP leaders, including Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who also criticized the LG's directive. Kejriwal had previously stated that the LG's decision was an insult to the people of Delhi, who had elected their representatives to govern on their behalf. The AAP leaders argued that the LG's move was a deliberate attempt to sideline elected officials and diminish their role in public ceremonies.

The article also provides insights into the legal and constitutional aspects of the issue. It mentions that the AAP government had approached the Supreme Court to challenge the LG's directive. The court's involvement added another layer of complexity to the situation, as it raised questions about the division of powers between the elected government and the appointed LG in Delhi, a Union Territory with a special status.

The piece further explores the political dynamics at play, highlighting the ongoing power struggle between the AAP government and the central government, represented by the LG. The AAP has been at loggerheads with the central government over various issues, including governance, policy-making, and administrative control. The flag hoisting controversy was seen as another manifestation of this broader conflict.

Sisodia's comments were not only a critique of the LG's decision but also a call for unity and respect for democratic principles. He stressed that Independence Day is a time for the nation to come together and celebrate its freedom, rather than engage in political squabbles. He urged all political parties to rise above their differences and focus on the spirit of patriotism and national unity.

The article also touches upon the public reaction to the controversy. It notes that many citizens expressed their support for the AAP's stance, viewing the LG's directive as an overreach of authority. Social media platforms were abuzz with discussions and debates on the issue, with many users echoing Sisodia's sentiments about the importance of elected representatives in national ceremonies.

In addition to Sisodia's statements, the article includes reactions from other political parties. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is in power at the center, defended the LG's decision, arguing that it was in line with established protocols and traditions. The BJP accused the AAP of politicizing the issue for electoral gains, a charge that the AAP vehemently denied.

The piece also delves into the historical context of flag hoisting ceremonies in India. It mentions that traditionally, the national flag is hoisted by the highest-ranking official present at the event, which in most cases is the elected head of the government. The article cites examples from other states and Union Territories where elected chief ministers or ministers have hoisted the flag on Independence Day without any controversy.

The article concludes by emphasizing the need for a resolution to the dispute. It suggests that a dialogue between the AAP government and the LG's office could help in finding a mutually acceptable solution. It also calls for a broader discussion on the roles and responsibilities of elected and appointed officials in Union Territories like Delhi, where the governance structure is unique.

Overall, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the controversy surrounding the flag hoisting ceremony on Independence Day in Delhi. It highlights the political, legal, and constitutional dimensions of the issue, as well as the public sentiment and historical context. Manish Sisodia's comments serve as a focal point for the piece, reflecting the AAP's stance on the matter and calling for a more respectful and unified approach to national celebrations.

Read the Full RepublicWorld Article at:
[ https://www.republicworld.com/india/elected-minister-should-hoist-tricolour-on-i-day-politics-over-it-unfortunate-manish-sisodia ]