Centre should refrain from using LG's office against AAP govt: CPI

BHUBHANESHWAR: Asking the Centre to refrain from using the Lt Governor's office against the elected government in Delhi, the CPI today said Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh should explain the manner of arrest of Delhi Law minister Jitendra Singh Tomar, who resigned later.

"The Centre should not use Lt Governor's office against the elected government and create problems," CPI national secretary D Raja told reporters here.

Regarding the manner in which Tomar was arrested, the CPI leader said since Delhi police is under Union Ministry of Home affairs, Home Minister Rajnath Singh should explain it.

"Arrest of Delhi's law minister is a separate issue," he said.

Tomar episode highlighted the face-off between the Centre and the national capital's AAP government after his arrest by police yesterday on charges of possessing fake degrees forcing him to quit.

Raja said if there is any difference of opinion on any issue between the Lt Governor (LG) and the elected government in Delhi, a Union Territory, the LG should refer the matter to the President. Only on matters of utmost urgency, the LG can decide, he said.

Raja pointed out that both Delhi and Puducherry are Union Territories with elected assemblies and both have been demanding full statehood.