In a fiery session of the Lok Sabha on Thursday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah staunchly defended the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, as he called on the opposition to prioritize the welfare of Delhi over political alliances.
The bill aims to replace an existing ordinance concerning the control of services in Delhi, which was issued in May to challenge a Supreme Court ruling that granted the elected Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government led by Arvind Kejriwal control over the capital’s bureaucrats.
“The Supreme Court’s order allows the parliament to legislate on any matter concerning the National Capital Territory of Delhi, as per the Constitution. The centre has the right to enact laws for Delhi,” stated Mr Shah while introducing the bill in the Lok Sabha.
Taking a direct swipe at the AAP and their participation in the newly formed INDIA coalition, Shah cautioned, “I appeal to parties not to turn a blind eye to the corruption prevailing in Delhi merely because of alliances. PM Modi will triumph in elections with a full majority, irrespective of any coalition.”
Highlighting the state’s recent political history, Shah criticized the AAP government’s approach to governance. “In 2015, a party came into power in Delhi with a single motive – to fight, not serve. The problem lies not in acquiring the right to transfer postings, but in securing control of the vigilance department to conceal their corruption, such as constructing lavish bungalows,” he asserted.
Citing historical perspective, Shah argued that India’s founding fathers, including Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, C Rajagopalachari, Rajendra Prasad, and BR Ambedkar, had opposed the idea of Delhi gaining full statehood.
Emphasizing the bill’s significance, Shah maintained that administrative affairs in Delhi functioned smoothly under various governments until the AAP’s ascent to power in 2015.
The proposed bill bestows authority upon the central government to frame rules pertaining to Delhi’s affairs, including terms, conditions, and functions of service for officers and employees.
However, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, seeking support from the opposition, particularly in the Rajya Sabha, where the government lacks a majority, has expressed opposition to the bill. Nevertheless, the bill is anticipated to pass comfortably in the upper house, as it garners backing from three critical regional parties not affiliated with the INDIA opposition coalition.
The Lok Sabha’s intense debate over the bill highlights the significance of Delhi’s governance and the challenges of balancing federal and state powers. As the bill heads to the Rajya Sabha for further deliberations, all eyes are on the opposition’s stance and its potential impact on Delhi’s political landscape.
Sources By Agencies
