New Delhi (12.02.2025): Has the task cut out for Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Delhi Vinai Kumar Saxena been accomplished with the historic debacle of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi Assembly elections paving the way for the BJP government in the city. Is this the time for Saxena to go or he will continue?

Reportedly, the Delhi LG has delivered exactly what his political masters expected him to do and now a new kind of role would be required in Delhi for the double engine government to run in tandem with the Centre to deliver and live up to the expectations of people of Delhi. This is what logic serves in the victory of the BJP over AAP.

It appears to be the time for Saxena being divested from the post of Delhi LG giving way to a new incumbent who has hands on experience on governance, administration and spectrum of issues pertaining to urban affairs. The BJP now needs to fulfil the populist promises besides taking care of urban housing, infrastructure, mobility of the city including drinking water pipelines, electricity, cleaning Yamuna, air pollution etc. Saxena was Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) Chairman from 2015 to 2022 before taking over as Delhi LG. He covered a long distance from being a corporate honcho to Delhi LG. The big question is: Wil he be able to deliver in the changed scenario where the expectation of the Centre is completely reverse to what he was doing since 2022 after taking over as Delhi LG. The role of bureaucracy will increase and so will coordination with them.

Talks have started doing rounds in the city that he may be relived from Delhi to get some other assignment. However, his trustworthy proximity with the two top most leaders rules out this possibility and he may continue to serve as the Delhi LG as he suits the present dispensation at the Centre.

But this is clear that either Saxena will continue or get a ceremonious exit. If he is at all divested from the post of Delhi LG, the big question is who would replace him? Interestingly there is no dearth of people to fit in the shoes of Saxena.

If sources are to be believed, three important names are being discussed in the alleys of power. All these names are not only prominent but have the track record of delivering. They also have good rapport with the Central leadership. Rajiv Gauba (IAS: 1982: JH), former Union Home Secretary and the longest-serving Cabinet Secretary, tops the list of being appointed as Delhi LG. He fulfils all qualifications from proximity with top brass to his calibre. A 1984 batch IAS officer also may not be ruled out.

Another name in the list is Naresh Kumar (IAS: 1987: UT) who had been at loggerheads with the AAP government till the time he served as Delhi Chief Secretary. The AAP government even unsuccessfully went to court to get his six-month extension as CS stopped. He too is in the reckoning and may be rewarded with the coveted job. This is very interesting to watch if the government appoints a new Delhi LG or waits to get his tenure over.