Centre backs Delhi Lt.Governor in standoff with Kejriwal

The Lieutenant Governor, "may, in his discretion, obtain the views of the Chief Minister... wherever he deems it appropriate," a statement issued by the centre says.

The centre's statement virtually backs the stand of Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung, who has been embroiled in a bitter turf war with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over primacy in administrative matters.

The Lieutenant Governor has all along claimed that as the representative of the union government, he is the authority for the Delhi police, issues related toland and the postings of key government officers.

The notification comes after a detailed discussion on Thursday between Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Earlier, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had tweeted: "If such an order comes, it is clear that PM Modi and Rajnath Singh have bowed before the transfer posting industry. We need to see whether the Constitution wins or a few corrupt officers and politicians."

Kejriwal had written  to PM Modi on Wednesday, alleging that his party, the BJP, is trying to govern Delhi through the Lieutenant Governor.

The power struggle between Delhi's two top men began soon after Jung decided to promote IAS officer Shakuntala Gamlin as acting Chief Secretary of Delhi, without consulting the Chief Minister.

Kejriwal retaliated by removing the officer who signed off on the Lieutenant Governor's order while principal Secretary Anindo Majumdar  was locked out of his office on Monday.

Both Arvind Kejriwal and the Lieutenant Governor met President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday and accused each other of violating the Constitution.