Kejriwal has self-created problems for more power: Jagdish Mukhi (IANS Interview)

Senior BJP leader Jagdish Mukhi, who has been appointed Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, says Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has "self created problems" as he wants to "attain more power" than constitutionally granted.

Mukhi, 73, also said that though he is "out of active politics" he would continue guiding the BJP and "no one can stop" him from doing so.

In a jibe at Kejriwal over his tussle with the central government on constitutional boundaries, the BJP veteran from Delhi told IANS in an interview: "Kejriwal has self created problems in Delhi as he wants to attain more power than constitutionally granted to him.

"Since there is no elected government in Andaman and Nicobar Islands like Delhi, I would not face any problem to discharge my duties and responsibilities," he said.

On his new appointment, he said: "Although, I would not be in active politics, but I will keep on guiding my party leaders here. No one can stop me."

Mukhi also said he had had indications of being appointed Lt. Governor.

"I came to know about it today only. However, there was an indication from the party as I was asked by the leadership about my future plan, and I had clearly told them as a sepoy of the party I am ready to accept any challenge assigned to me," he said. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was looking for an able administrator who could look after the administration of Andaman and Nicobar Islands as it is an union territory.

"In Andaman and Nicobar Islands there is a secretariat under the Chief Secretary who works directly under the Lt. Governor," he added.

Asked about his priority for Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mukhi said it would be very early to comment on the same.

"It is very early to comment on it but I am aware of the conditions of Andaman and familiar with the issues as I have been there a number of times. I can only comment a few months after taking charge," he added.

Asked about Kiran Bedi being given priority over him and veteran party leader V.K. Malhotra in terms of appointment of Governors, Mukhi said, "It's upto the party leadership to decide."

Bedi, who was BJP's Chief Ministerial candidate in the 2015 Delhi Assembly elections, was appointed Governor of Puducherry while Malhotra has still not been given any such post.

"It's not that Malhotra has been left out," Mukhi said.

Mukhi, a BJP veteran from Delhi, represented Janakpuri assembly constituency for six terms. He also served as Leader of Opposition in the Delhi assembly. He was also Finance Minister of Delhi during the BJP regime from 1993-1998.

(Anand Singh can be contacted at anand.s@ians.in)

--IANS

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