In a dramatic clash of egos, the political battleground of Delhi witnessed yet another power tussle between the AAP-led city government and the Lieutenant Governor, V K Saxena. The bone of contention this time was the highly anticipated inauguration of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University's east Delhi campus, a battleground where both sides sought to claim the spotlight and the accolades.

Political Drama Unfolds at GGSIPU East Delhi Inauguration: Arvind Kejriwal Faces Massive Embarrassment

In a high-profile event that turned into a political battleground, Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi and leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), experienced massive embarrassment at the inauguration of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University's (GGSIPU) east Delhi campus. The event, marked by clashes of credit claims and political tension, unveiled deep-rooted animosity between the AAP, Congress, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The GGSIPU campus, a symbol of educational advancement, became the center stage for this political spectacle. Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi and leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), faced a significant setback as he was denied the opportunity to inaugurate the prestigious educational institution. The incident not only led to political turmoil but also highlighted the complexities and power dynamics between the state government and the Lieutenant Governor's office.

Despite Kejriwal's presence at the event, it became evident that the protocol surrounding such inaugurations placed the responsibility firmly in the hands of the Lieutenant Governor. As per established norms, the Governor holds the authority to officiate the inauguration of government-funded institutions. Consequently, Kejriwal, as the Chief Minister, was not accorded the honor of inaugurating the GGSIPU East Delhi campus, which became a source of disappointment for him and his supporters.

Amidst the confusion and disappointment, Kejriwal directed his frustration toward the Governor's office, expressing his desire to have been given the opportunity to inaugurate the institution. His sentiments reflected his ambition to be associated with the developmental milestones of Delhi, particularly in the field of education, which has been a prominent focus of his administration.

Adding fuel to the fire, an incensed Kejriwal lashed out at the Congress, alleging that the education system could not be improved by mere slogans. His frustration and disappointment were evident as he indirectly blamed the Congress for the lack of progress in the education sector over the past 70 years. This remark not only intensified the political tension but also showcased the deep-seated rivalry and blame game prevalent in the Indian political landscape.

To exacerbate Kejriwal's humiliation, students present at the event were heard chanting "Modi, Modi, Modi," referring to the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. This unexpected show of support for the opposition leader, coupled with Kejriwal's absence, further highlighted his dwindling popularity and the rising influence of his political adversaries.

In the midst of the chaos, Kejriwal was seen questioning his invitation to the inauguration. His bewilderment and frustration were palpable, exposing a lack of communication or understanding between his party and the organizing authorities. This confusion not only magnified the disarray within the AAP but also showcased the disconnect between Kejriwal and the academic community he sought to win over.

The inauguration itself took place under the cloud of controversy. The foundation stone for the GGSIPU campus had been laid by Smriti Irani, the Union Minister of Human Resource Development, reflecting the central government's involvement in the project. Furthermore, the campus was inaugurated by Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena, whose presence emphasized the authority and support of the central government.

The juxtaposition of Smriti Irani's role in the foundation stone laying and Saxena's involvement in the inauguration underscored the political clout wielded by the central government. It highlighted the deep-rooted tensions between the AAP and the BJP, as Kejriwal, who aimed to claim credit for the educational institution, was left sidelined and unable to exert his influence.

The embarrassing turn of events at the GGSIPU East Delhi inauguration showcased the intricate web of political rivalries, power struggles, and the quest for credit that permeate Indian politics. Kejriwal's absence, the students' chants, and his confrontation with Congress further magnified the fractures within the political landscape. Ultimately, this incident served as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of Indian politics, where personal agendas and rivalries often overshadow the actual issues at hand.

The skirmish began when Delhi's Education Minister, Atishi, confidently announced during a press conference that the honor of inaugurating the new campus would be bestowed upon none other than Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal himself. With an air of enthusiasm, she declared, "I am delighted to announce that the inauguration of the east Delhi campus of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) is going to take place, and the chief minister will inaugurate it on June 8."

However, the situation took a shocking turn when an invitation from the university revealed that the Lt Governor, V K Saxena, would indeed be the one to officially inaugurate the campus, scheduled for 11 am on Thursday. This revelation sent shockwaves through the AAP-led government, leading to a heated exchange of accusations between the two parties.

The Lieutenant Governor's office, expressing their astonishment, issued a scathing statement, accusing the education minister of willfully ignoring the fact that it was the Lt Governor's prerogative to inaugurate the campus. They asserted, "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."

In response to these allegations, Atishi fiercely defended the Chief Minister and the government's track record in education, stating that the Lt Governor should not forget that education, higher education, and technical education were transferred subjects under their jurisdiction. She asserted, "The Kejriwal government has been working on all these three sectors diligently over the last eight years."

The Lt Governor's office retaliated by revealing that the date of the inauguration had been rescheduled from May 23 to June 8 to accommodate the Chief Minister's busy schedule. They emphasized that the decision for the Lt Governor to inaugurate the campus had been made as early as March 2023, and Chief Minister Kejriwal was fully aware of this arrangement.

Adding fuel to the fire, the Lt Governor's office unveiled the history behind the campus, reminding everyone that it had been conceptualized back in 2013, with a significant seed fund of Rs 41 crore allocated for its development. The foundation stone had been laid by the then Union HRD minister, Smriti Irani, on December 14, 2014, lending a sense of historical significance to the project.

The Lt Governor's office also made it clear that while the Delhi government had contributed a modest sum of Rs 41 crore out of the total cost of Rs 387 crore, the university had funded the majority of the campus building itself. This revelation aimed to dispel any notion that the Delhi government had single-handedly spearheaded the project.

Undeterred by the scathing remarks, Atishi launched a scathing counterattack, proclaiming that if one were to ask any citizen on the streets of Delhi about the driving force behind the education revolution, the name Arvind Kejriwal would be on their lips, not the BJP-appointed Lt Governor. She passionately reiterated that the GGSIPU campus was a crucial part of the three state university campuses the Kejriwal government had been actively developing in the trans-Yamuna region, along with the Netaji Subhash University of Technology East Campus and Delhi Technological University, East Campus.

Furthermore, Atishi sought to reinforce the claim that the GGSIPU campus had been the brainchild and dream project of Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. She emphasized his extensive involvement, from the initial planning stages to overseeing the construction and shaping the curriculum, long before the present Lt Governor assumed office.

As the storm rages on, Delhiites brace themselves for yet another chapter in the tumultuous world of Arvind Kejriwal's politics, wondering if this clash over the inauguration of a university campus is merely a symptom of the deeper power struggles that lie beneath the surface.

About the Campus

Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) was established by the Government of Delhi under the Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University Act, 1998. The university's objective was to provide quality higher education and promote research in various fields. The foundation stone of GGSIPU's campus in East Delhi was laid on December 14, 2014, in a ceremony presided over by Smriti Irani, the Union Minister of Human Resource Development (HRD) at that time.

The idea of establishing GGSIPU originated from the need to create a prestigious institution that would provide quality education and contribute to the intellectual and socio-economic growth of the region. The university was named after Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, to honor his contributions to spirituality, knowledge, and humanity.

In terms of financial support, the GGSIPU campus was built with a combination of funds from different sources. The university allocated a significant portion of its own resources for the construction of the campus. 

The central government played a crucial role in providing financial support for the establishment and development of GGSIPU's campus. The funding for the campus project was primarily allocated by the central government's HRD Ministry, under which the responsibility of education falls at the national level. This financial assistance aimed to facilitate the creation of a modern educational infrastructure that would benefit students and contribute to the advancement of higher education in Delhi.

The campus of GGSIPU in East Delhi stands as a testament to this collaboration between the central government and the Government of Delhi. It encompasses a range of modern facilities and infrastructure to support academic activities, research, and student life. The campus provides a platform for students to pursue various disciplines, including engineering, management, law, mass communication, and medical sciences, among others.

As GGSIPU continues to thrive as a prominent educational institution in Delhi, it owes its existence and development to the combined efforts and support of both the central government and the Government of Delhi. The central government's contribution, including the support from the HRD Ministry and the inauguration by Smriti Irani, has played a significant role in shaping the growth and success of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University.

The campus, located in East Delhi, is a sprawling and modern educational hub equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure. It was envisioned as a center for excellence in higher education, catering to a wide range of disciplines. The campus offers programs in various fields, including engineering, management, law, mass communication, medical sciences, and more.

With its diverse range of faculties and departments, GGSIPU provides students with an extensive choice of courses to pursue their academic and professional aspirations. The university focuses on a multidisciplinary approach to education, encouraging interdisciplinary research and collaborations.

The GGSIPU campus boasts world-class infrastructure, including spacious classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, libraries, sports facilities, hostels, and administrative buildings. The campus is designed to create a conducive learning environment, where students can engage in both academic and extracurricular activities.

The university also places a strong emphasis on research and innovation. It encourages faculty members and students to undertake research projects and contribute to the body of knowledge in their respective fields. GGSIPU actively promotes collaboration with industries, other academic institutions, and research organizations to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Furthermore, the GGSIPU campus is known for its vibrant student community and a range of co-curricular and extracurricular activities. The university organizes cultural events, sports competitions, seminars, workshops, and conferences, providing students with ample opportunities to showcase their talents and broaden their horizons.

The campus is equipped with modern facilities, offers diverse courses, encourages research and innovation, and fosters a vibrant student community. GGSIPU continues to be a leading institution in the field of higher education in Delhi, contributing to the academic and intellectual growth of its students and the region as a whole.