As L-G exits, time for relook at rules?

Najeeb Jung, lieutenant-governor of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, who found himself in a state of perpetual controversy with elected chief minister Arvind Kejriwal that was not without a hint of political antagonism, resigned unexpectedly on Thursday, a year and a half before his term was due to end. He does not appear to have been under any pressure from any quarter, least of all the Union government, to which he directly reported. In fact, it was widely assumed that his relations with the Centre were cordial, given that he found himself in a state of constant tension with Delhi’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party and its leadership, that is also a thorn in the side of the Narendra Modi government for reasons of political competition.

In the circumstances, Mr Jung’s word can be taken at face value that he was resigning of his own volition for reasons that are personal, although for a public figure doubts and speculation may not be wholly extinguished. This is all the more so as the outgoing L-G, approximately from the time he had voluntarily resigned from the IAS to take up other opportunities, has been in close association with various entities linked to a major corporate group, whose top rung is perceived as having a long-standing relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi from his days as Gujarat’s chief minister.

Mr Jung was an appointee of the earlier UPA government who got along exceedingly well with the present dispensation. He was not given marching orders by the Modi government, unlike other governors and L-Gs of the Manmohan Singh era. Nevertheless, his departure may suit the Centre which will now get the chance to have a politician L-G of its choice in anticipation of the next elections in Delhi, where the BJP has a strong presence but was badly mauled by AAP in 2015. Ordinarily, the resignation of a lieutenant-governor in almost benign circumstances hardly merits comment. But the case of Mr Jung appears different.

It should be a reminder to those in authority that they should summon poise, grace and balance and deal with democratically elected representatives with a measure of wisdom rather than only the backing of constitutional injunctions, even if the public representatives display foolishness or overweening ambition. The constitutional arrangement is clear on the point that the L-G is the administrative head of the national capital area, not the elected CM, whose ambit is deeply circumscribed. Mr Kejriwal didn’t understand this and took his case to the high court, where he was explained the facts of life. But the Supreme Court, which will pronounce itself in the matter next month, has hinted that those elected also have a place. Mr Jung had failed to fully appreciate this.