Shakuntala D Gamlin to continue as power secretary in LG Najeeb Jung-CM Arvind Kejriwal turf war

NEW DELHI: Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and lieutenant governor Najeeb Jung are not budging on the appointment of the state's home secretary and Anti-Corruption Branch chief, but they have ended up agreeing on the officer whose temporary elevation last month became the flashpoint for their present round of hostilities. Both sides have agreed to let Shakuntala D Gamlin continue as power secretary.

The AAP government had bitterly opposed Jung's decision to appoint Gamlin as acting chief secretary for 10 days. At a rally of autorickshaw drivers, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal had even alleged that Gamlin was lobbying for private discoms while home minister Satyendar Jain had released a "secret" note to air his reservations over her continuing as power secretary.

On Wednesday, the government issued orders notifying postings, transfers and departmental reshuffles involving more than 25 officers after getting the names approved from the LG's office. Gamlin's name figured in an order signed by the principal secretary to the CM, Rajendra Kumar. The order came on a day when Kejriwal met Jung and both smiled for the cameras at Raj Niwas.

However, it is learned that Gamlin will be on leave from June 20 and there are rumours about her moving to the Centre after some time. For now, the state maintains she will stay. Rajendra Kumar has signed the transfer and posting order in the capacity of secretary services, a charge given to him after principal secretary Anindo Majumdar was removed from the department for notifying Gamlin's appointment as acting chief secretary last month.

Majumdar was removed and his room locked up the next day as the government alleged he had notified the order on Gamlin without intimating the CM and the deputy CM's office. But the lieutenant governor declared Majumdar's removal and Rajendra Kumar's appointment void. Later, Majumdar was given a different charge.

Wednesday's order specifically mentions that Gamlin "shall continue to hold charge of principal secretary (power)". Her charge of industries has been handed over to IAS officer Chetan B Sanghi who will also lead the department of urban development and the public works department.

Gamlin's letter to the LG as principal secretary, industries had stirred up a controversy as she alleged Jain was pressuring her to prepare a proposal to make leasehold industrial plots in Bawana freehold. The state government's decision to let Gamlin continue as power secretary is seen as an attempt to avoid more rumours and confusion. Also, the government may be trying to make all the right noises before the matter comes up before the high court. The government would want to be seen as cooperating with the LG even as Kejriwal sticks to his interpretation of the rule book.

The list of postings and transfers finds quite a few prominent names. IAS officer Ramesh Tiwari, who was MD DTTDC, is now special secretary NCR Planning Board. Z U Siddiqui is now MD DTTDC. F O Hashmi, special secretary health and family welfare, has been made managing director of Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation. R K Mishra has been appointed as special commissioner trade & taxes.