Kejriwal authorizes Atishi to hoist national flag on Independence Day
What's the story
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has authorized Minister Atishi to hoist the national flag at the Delhi government's Independence Day function on August 15. Kejriwal, currently held in Tihar Jail, wrote to Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena relaying the information. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) confirmed this development, saying, "Kejriwal has written to (Lieutenant Governor V K) Saxena from jail saying that Atishi will hoist the tricolor in his place on August 15."
Replacement
Atishi to take CM's place at event
The Independence Day function, traditionally held at Chhatrasal Stadium, is where Kejriwal usually addresses the audience. However, this year Atishi will take up the responsibility in his absence. She was appointed minister in early 2023 following Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia's resignation after his arrest in the excise policy case.
Incarceration
Kejriwal jail in excise policy case
Kejriwal, the AAP's national convener, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21 in a money laundering case tied to the alleged excise policy scam. Although the Supreme Court granted him interim bail, he remains in jail due to a related arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) last month. Last week, the Delhi High Court rejected Kejriwal's plea challenging his arrest by the CBI, but allowed him the option to approach the trial court for relief.