In a scathing attack on the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) led by Naveen Patnaik and the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) of Jagan Reddy, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha criticized their support for the Delhi Ordinance bill, suggesting that those backing the bill would be remembered as ‘anti-national.’ Chadha further contended that these regional parties’ endorsement of the bill might be driven by compulsion rather than genuine support for the legislation. The Delhi Ordinance bill, officially known as the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, has been a contentious subject since its introduction.
The bill aims to provide the Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) with increased powers, granting the LG the final say in the transfer and posting of officials in the city government. This move has sparked opposition from various quarters, as it is seen as a measure to strengthen the Central government’s control over the national capital. With the BJP-led NDA lacking a majority in the Rajya Sabha, the Biju Janata Dal and YSRCP’s support for the bill is considered crucial for its smooth passage in the upper house of Parliament.
Notably, Congress leader P Chidambaram also questioned the basis of BJD and YSRCP’s support for the bill. In a tweet, he expressed his puzzlement, stating that he understands BJP MPs supporting the bill but fails to grasp the reasoning behind BJD and YSRCP’s endorsement. Chidambaram raised pertinent questions, questioning whether these parties have found merit in the provisions of the bill, such as the composition of a three-member authority where the Delhi Chief Minister stands alone against two officers appointed by the central government. He further inquired about the provisions that allow the two officers to constitute the quorum, hold meetings, and make decisions without the Chief Minister’s participation, and whether they have found merit in the LG’s ability to overrule even a unanimous decision of the authority.
The support of BJD and YSRCP, known as regional parties with significant influence in their respective states of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, has given the Delhi Ordinance bill a potential advantage in the Rajya Sabha. However, this support has been met with sharp criticism from AAP and Congress, who view the bill as an infringement on the autonomy of the Delhi government and a threat to democratic principles.
As the political discourse around the bill intensifies, the fate of the proposed legislation remains uncertain. While the Union government continues to push for its passage, opposition parties like AAP and Congress are vehemently opposing it, emphasizing their commitment to safeguarding the constitutional values and principles that underpin India’s democratic structure. The upcoming debates and discussions in Parliament will likely determine the future course of the Delhi Ordinance bill and its implications for the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
