Jung's sudden resignation caught everyone unawares. Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi claimed that the LG had given no indication of his plan to resign two days ago when he had a meeting with him.
Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) Najeeb Jung on Thursday submitted his resignation to the Centre, sparking speculation who could be the next incumbent.
Jung's sudden resignation caught everyone unawares. Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi claimed that the LG had given no indication of his plan to resign two days ago when he had a meeting with him. Even officials in the LG's office and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed their surprise.
On his part, Jung said he would now join his first love – academics. Sources said that the front runners for the post include former IAS officer Anil Baijal, former Delhi police commissioner BS Bassi, current LG of Pondicherry Kiran Bedi, former IAS officers GK Pillai, VK Duggal and DM Sapolia, and BJP leader Jagdish Mukhi.
Sources added that while the appointment of the new LG may be politically influenced, it is highly unlikely that a politician would be anointed. "The Delhi LG is the top administrator. Therefore, a politician has never been appointed. However, the political leanings of the official may play a major factor in the decision," said a source in the LG's office. He added that the current decision taken by the LG may have been influenced by the Union government.
There are also rumours that Delhi may see its first woman LG. Meanwhile, Kejriwal and Deputy CM Manish Sisodia tweeted their surprise at the sudden announcement. The two wished Jung the very best for his future endeavours.
"I spoke to Najeeb Jung over the phone and he said that he has resigned for personal reasons," reports quoted Kejriwal. Jung had been constantly in the news for the past two years for his confrontations with the AAP government. He had formed a committee, chaired by VK Shunglu on August 30, to examine 400 files on decisions taken by the Kejriwal regime.
Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari said that the party appreciated Jung for the work he did in Delhi and asked Delhiites to respect his decision. The Congress, however, attacked the Modi government for Jung's sudden exit and questioned the timing of his unceremonious exit.
"The PM should explain if there was any deal between him and Kejriwal behind the exit of Jung. The Congress will come out to the streets and protest if an RSS-connected or RSS-supported person is appointed as LG," said Ajay Maken, Delhi Congress chief.
Jung became LG in July 2013, replacing Tejendra Khanna, another IAS officer. Jung was initially posted in Madhya Pradesh and was last associated with Jamia Millia Islamia, where he was the Vice-Chancellor from 2009-2013.
"The LG's resignation will be submitted to the President of India through the Ministry of Home Affairs. However, till the time a new LG is appointed Jung will continue to occupy the chair, in case any emergency arrives," said SK Sharma, former Secretary of Delhi Assembly.
Earlier in the day, Jung issued an official statement, thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the people of Delhi and Kejriwal for their support over the past three years.
Possible Successors
Anil Baijal, a 1969-batch IAS officer, served as home secretary in the Vajpayee govt. Believed to be close to the RSS.
GK Pillai, a 1972-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre. Served as Union home secretary.
BS Bassi, former Delhi Police Commissioner. Accused by political parties as a BJP spokesperson for his antics towards the end of his tenure as the commissioner. Currently a member of the UPSC.
Kiran Bedi, initially associated with India Against Corruption and a close associate of Arvind Kejriwal. Parted ways after the inception of the Aam Aadmi Party. She later contested election on a BJP ticket, and was projected as the Delhi CM candidate. Currently Governor of Pondicherry.
Jagdish Mukhi. A senior BJP leader, he is currently the Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Rumoured to be close to the RSS.
VK Duggal, a 1968 batch IAS official. Was Governor of Manipur during UPA regime in 2013. Stepped down in 2014 after the BJP came to power.
Sapolia, a 1979 batch IAS official. Appointed by the Centre as the Delhi chief secretary, after removing SK Srivastava, who was rumoured to be close to Arvind Kejriwal.
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