LG asked me not to attend office, claims new DCW chief Swati Maliwal amid row

New Delhi, Jul 23: AAP-appointed Delhi Commission for Women chief Swati Maliwal tonight claimed that Lt Governor Najeeb Jung asked her not to attend office from tomorrow and had also said it will be locked, a charge denied by the LG's office.

Maliwal, whose appointment as DCW chief was struck down by Jung amid an escalating row with the AAP government, said nobody could "shake her morale" and that she will continue to work for women's rights, in an indication of defying LG's order.

"The LG has called me and told me that I should not come to office from tomorrow and all my files are being taken back. The DCW office will be locked," she tweeted.

However, when contacted, Maliwal sought to clarify her tweet, claiming that Jung's office had communicated to her office not to come to office from tomorrow.

Sources in LG's office, however, strongly rejected her claim that Jung had called her personally, adding none from his staff had even talked to her.

"The LG is very upset with the way such allegations are being levelled against him," they said.

The 30-year-old women's activist said she will continue in her capacity as DCW chief till further government orders in this regard.

"I have a schedule for field visit tomorrow and I will stick to it. I will follow the government orders. I think the issue will be resolved," she told PTI.

Jung had yesterday rejected Maliwal's appointment as chairperson of Delhi Commission for Women, saying his approval had not been sought on it.

The government, however, said she will continue in her post. A final decision on the entire issue will be taken tomorrow, said a senior government official.

"Nobody could shake my morale. I have been fighting for women within the system for last 10 years and will continue to do so.

"I want to assure the women that I will continue to work in the grassroots. I have been fighting for women within the system for last 10 years and will continue to do so," she said.

PTI