Atishi to Raise National Flag in Delhi on Independence Day, Says Gopal Rai

Cabinet minister in the Delhi government, Atishi, will raise the national flag in the capital this Independence Day, Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced on Monday.

The development came a day after the environment Minister met Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal at Tihar Jail.

The Environment Minister has ordered the city government's GAD to make required arrangements for the flag-hoisting ceremony.

In an official statement, the Aam Aadmi Party said, "As per the decision of the Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Cabinet Minister Atishi will take on the responsibility to hoist the Tricolour on August 15 in the Chief Minister's absence."

The development comes on the same day that Kejriwal has challenged his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in a corruption case related to the alleged liquor policy scandal. The special leave petition moved to the Supreme Court challenges the Delhi High Court's order dated August 5, which had dismissed Kejriwal's appeal.

The order on a bail plea moved by Kejriwal in the CBI case is yet to be passed by the Delhi High Court, which had reserved its verdict on July 29.

Recently, the Chief Minister of Delhi was seen seeking the consent of Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena to let Cabinet Minister Atishi replace him in unfurling the national flag due to health reasons at the capital's annual Independence Day event.

The Independence Day event is usually held at Chhatrasal Stadium, where the Chief Minister addresses the public.

Presently, Arvind Kejriwal has been sent to Tihar Jail in corruption and money laundering charges associated with the Delhi excise policy.

The latest development in the case of former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia being released from prison has come as a shot in the arm for AAP members, who look at Sisodia's release as some kind of rebuke to baseless accusations against their leaders and an omen of vindication.