A new tussle started between the Delhi Lieutenant Governor, VK Saxena and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over the inauguration of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprasth University in East Delhi.

Delhi education minister, Atishi had announced the inauguration of the university by the Delhi CM which prompted the Delhi LG to issue a statement saying, “Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal himself was aware of the fact that the L-G was scheduled to inaugurate the campus. In fact, they were also aware that they were supposed to be present in the function as Guest of Honour and distinguished guest, as desired by the L-G and had also consented to it.”

“Moreover, even on the day when Atishi made this claim in a press conference, i.e. 06.06.2023, earlier during the day, the VC of GGSIPU had announced on stage at the Convocation of GGSIPU, where Atishi was present as a Guest of Honour, that the East Campus of the University was scheduled to be inaugurated by the Lt. Governor on 08.06.2023,” it added.  

Reacting to this Delhi education minister, Atishi said that the L-G should not forget that education, higher education and technical education are all transferred subjects.

Even Delhi minister Saurabh Bhardwaj reacted to this, saying that the L-G should focus on inauguration of buildings which come under Police, Land and Public order.

“The construction of this campus started when he (VK Saxena) was not the L-G. Manish Sisodia started this work and our elected government took it further. It is strange now for the L-G to say that he was asked by officials to inaugurate the university campus,” Bhardwaj said.

“At this rate, the L-G could say tomorrow that he would inaugurate Saurabh Bhardwaj’s office. That’s why L-G has kept all officers under his control and wants to keep it going. The CM is the one vested with the moral authority to inaugurate the campus. Such thoughts should not even come to the L-G’s mind,” he added.

Tensions have been rising between the Delhi L-G and Delhi CM for the past few years over various matters. Notably, in May this year a Supreme Court judgement had ruled that the Delhi government had powers over civil services in the Delhi after which the Centre had brought in an ordinance regarding civil services giving more power to the L-G, creating more friction between the two posts.

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To rebel against injustice… Harfouch receives great support from the French Foreign Affairs Committee member at the Senat

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In an extraordinary meeting organized by the “International League Against Racism and Anti-Semitism” (LICRA), and a member of the French Senate Nathalie Goulet, a number of prominent personalities met with the Leader of the Third Lebanese Republic initiative, Omar Harfouch, who announced his defiance of the controversial law that prohibits the accidental presence of any Lebanese with any Israeli citizenship even by accident .

David Olivier, President of LICRA ( the international league against racisme and antisemitism ), expressed his concerns about the economic situation in Lebanon, acknowledging that conditions are deteriorating. He welcomed Harfouch as a guest of honor at the meeting at the French Senat, acknowledging his courage and continuous efforts for reform in Lebanon.

For his part, Harfouch announced his categorical rejection of choosing people on the basis of their religion or origin and the need to cancel a Lebanese law that prohibits the presence of any Lebanese in the same place with any Jew, Israeli or pro-Israel even inadvertently, and he invited the Lebanese, especially the diaspora, to speak and influence their government. And advocates in their regions for the abolition of this law.

Frederic Dabi, director of the French Institute of Public Opinion, expressed his solidarity with Harfouch and the discrimination he faces. He said that the issue should be of concern to French public opinion, and that the struggle that Harfouch is going through is a republican struggle that should concern everyone.

Hassan Chalghoumi, head of the Union of Imams in France, called for courage in supporting Harfouch’s cause, and expressed his full solidarity with him, hoping that Harfouch’s battle would contribute to the liberation of the entire Arab world.

French Senator Andre Reichart praised Harfouch and expressed his willingness to contribute to his fight, which he described as “a fight for all of us”.

Finally, French MP Bruno Fuchs, member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, expressed his support for the rebellion against injustice, and called for the fight against racism in Lebanon and the entire Arab world.

He affirmed LICRA’s commitment to strengthening efforts in this field, calling for the implementation of what was identified during the meeting.

The meeting was an embodiment of global solidarity with Harfouch and the Lebanese people. Although the road ahead is long, the support they received during this meeting indicates hope for a more pluralistic and tolerant future in Lebanon.

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