Lok Sabha Passes Delhi Ordinance Bill Amidst Heated Debate and Controversy
In a significant development, the Lok Sabha, the lower house of India’s Parliament, has given its approval to the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill-2023. This bill passed through a voice vote, aims to replace a previous ordinance, and has sparked a nearly four-hour-long debate among the Members of Parliament (MPs). The bill grants the Central Government the authority to establish regulations related to the administration of Delhi, including the roles, terms, and conditions of service for officers and employees.
The intense deliberation took place in the Lok Sabha, where Union Home Minister Amit Shah responded to concerns and arguments presented by various MPs. The bill’s passing comes as a response to the May 19 Ordinance, issued by the Central Government, which asserted control over services in Delhi. This ordinance emerged after the Supreme Court ruled that Delhi’s elected government could oversee services, except in matters concerning law and order, police, and land.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, initiating the debate, stressed that the Central Government has the authority to create laws for Union territories, including Delhi, as it falls under this category. He highlighted that the bill and the ordinance are constitutional and have been introduced for the betterment of Delhi’s governance. He explained that historically, the control over services has rested with the Central government. Shah also criticized the functioning of the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, accusing it of not adhering to established rules, neglecting regular assembly sessions, and infrequent cabinet meetings.
Shah pointed out that previous governments, including those led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress, managed the national capital without confrontations. However, tensions escalated in 2015 with the rise of a government that seemed more interested in confrontation than in cooperative governance.
After the bill’s successful passage in the Lok Sabha, Shah took to Twitter to express his views. He criticized the opposition parties, accusing them of prioritizing coalition politics over bills that could benefit the public.
During the debate on the bill, a disruptive incident involving AAP MP Sushil Kumar Rinku led to his suspension for the remainder of the Monsoon session. Rinku’s unruly behaviour, which involved tearing and throwing papers in the house, prompted Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to initiate the suspension motion, adopted through a voice vote.
In response to the bill and its passage, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal voiced strong opposition. He criticized Amit Shah’s arguments in support of the bill, asserting that the opposition coalition, represented by the INDIA bloc, would not allow such a measure to prevail. Kejriwal characterized the bill as a tool for subjugating the people of Delhi, accusing the Central Government of betraying its promise of granting full statehood to the capital city.
Kejriwal’s critique continued on social media, where he questioned the credibility of promises made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP regarding Delhi’s statehood. He expressed disappointment, asserting that this bill only further curtails Delhi’s autonomy and leaves its residents in a state of helplessness.
To conclude, the approval of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill-2023 by the Lok Sabha has ignited significant discussions and disagreements. While proponents argue that it aims to streamline governance, opponents, led by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, see it as a means to diminish the city’s autonomy. As the bill moves forward, its implications for Delhi’s governance and relationship with the Central Government remain subjects of intense discussion.
