On Monday, the Rajya Sabha approved the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Amendment Bill, 2023. This new bill has replaced a previous temporary order concerning the shifting and assignments of top officials within the Delhi government. The voting outcome was 131 in favor and 102 against the change.
Responding to the discussion on the contentious bill in the Rajya Sabha, Union home minister Amit Shah stated that the bill does not go against the decision of the Supreme Court. Shah explained that the bill is focused on achieving efficient, corruption-free governance in the capital city. He also gave his word to the members that there is not even one rule that alters the way things have been operating since the time of the Congress government.
The minister supported the ordinance claiming that the Delhi government led by AAP transferred vigilance department officers due to the presence of liquor scam files with them.
“The Delhi government was very quick in dealing with the vigilance department because it held documents connected to the ‘excise policy scam’ and ‘sheesh-mahal’,” he explained.
Challenging Congress for partnering with the Aap Aadmi Party, Shah mentioned that AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal will step down from the opposing group INDIA once the Delhi services bill is approved. He clarified that the bill hasn’t been introduced to enforce a state of “Emergency” or strip away people’s rights.
Before, there were no conflicts regarding transfer postings in Delhi, and none of the CMs faced any issues. In 2015, a government emerged after a protest movement known as ‘Andolan.’ A few individuals claimed that the center aimed to assume control. However, the center doesn’t have to do that since the people of India have already granted us the authority and entitlement,” stated Shah.
Earlier today, AAP MP Raghav Chadha voiced that the bill represents a “political fraud, constitutional sin, and will result in an administrative logjam.” Chadha pointed out that the BJP had been asking for statehood for Delhi for close to four decades and pledged the same in its election manifesto. The leader from AAP expressed that the BJP has undermined the four decades of dedicated efforts by leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Lal Krishan Advani to transform Delhi into a complete state.
Making fun of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s reference to India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in support of the bill, Chadha remarked that the BJP leader should be more progressive (Adavanivadi) rather than clinging to Nehru’s ideas (Nehruvadi).
Abhishek Manu Singhvi, a Congress member, objected to the proposed law, describing it as a “backward bill” that completely goes against the principles of the constitution.
He also stated that this bill directly attacks the people of Delhi and goes against the concept of federalism