In a letter, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal informed the Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena on Wednesday that Education Minister Atishi Marlena would hoist the national flag on August 15 in his absence.
As per the current development, CM Kejriwal is presently being lodged at Tihar Jail in connection with corruption and money laundering probes into the alleged Delhi excise policy scandal.
In the letter written to L-G Saxena, CM Kejriwal wrote, "Minister Atishi will hoist the flag on August 15 in my place."
Every year, as part of Independence Day celebrations at Chhatrasal Stadium, the Tricolour is unfurled by the Chief Minister. However, with the detainment of CM Kejriwal this time, the responsibility has been passed to his cabinet colleague, Atishi.
The detention of CM Kejriwal is in connection with his arrest by the CBI over the excise policy case. On this very matter, the Delhi High Court recently reserved its decision on a bail application moved by Kejriwal. A charge sheet against Kejriwal and others has already been filed by the CBI before a special Delhi court.
The Delhi High Court upheld the legality of Kejriwal's arrest and, contrary to the allegation of malice by the CBI, has also harbored apprehensions that the witnesses in the case may be influenced.
The ED has also filed a prosecution complaint in the money laundering case and has named Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party as accused.
The Supreme Court had, on July 12, granted Kejriwal interim bail in the money laundering case; however, he was not released as he was arrested by the CBI. The Delhi High Court extended Kejriwal's judicial custody till August 9 in connection with the case of CBI and until August 13 in the money laundering case.
Read also | Uddhav Thackeray's Delhi Trip Highlights His Struggle for Power: Shiv Sena Critique
Read also | PM Modi Unveils Key Economic Indicators in Latest Update
