The contentious Delhi Services Bill was tabled in Rajya Sabha today for debate and voting. Despite fierce opposition from the opposition, it is expected to sail smoothly, with to support from Naveen Patnaik’s BJD and Andhra’s YSRC.
The Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which amends the Ordinance that deposed the Delhi government’s control over bureaucrats, has already passed the Lok Sabha test. It was approved by voice vote on Thursday, despite the Opposition’s walkout.
The snag was predicted in Rajya Sabha, where the NDA has yet to gain a majority. The Rajya Sabha currently has 237 members and a majority of 119.
The BJP and its allies have 105 members and will be supported by the Biju Janata Dal and the ruling YSR Congress in Andhra Pradesh, each of which have nine MPs. The ruling party also believes it has the support of five nominated and two independent MPs, bringing its total to 130.
INDIA, the opposition coalition, has 104 MPs. Some of them are ill and may be unable to attend the sessions. Sanjay Singh of the Aam Aadmi Party has been suspended from the House.
Mayawati’s Bahujan Samaj Party, as well as two smaller parties with one member each, are unlikely to participate. Any absence will reduce the bill’s majority, and it will almost certainly pass.
The opposition, which banded together to oppose the law thanks to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s efforts, recognizes that the statistics are not on their side. However, they claim that the debate will allow them to express themselves.
The Ordinance that would be replaced by the bill was passed in May. It overturned a Supreme Court decision that had given the elected government administrative authority of Delhi. The Supreme Court declared that the elected government is the boss of Delhi after an eight-year battle between the Centre and the Arvind Kejriwal government.
The Ordinance established the National Capital Civil Services Authority, which is in charge of postings and transfers of bureaucrats in Delhi. Members with voting rights include the Chief Minister, the Chief Secretary, and the Principal Home Secretary. The Lieutenant Governor is the final arbiter.
The AAP, led by Mr. Kejriwal, has claimed that the new rule will set a precedent that will allow the Centre to derail any elected government in any state and seize control of governance. According to Mr. Kejriwal, the Ordinance invalidates Delhi’s mandate, which the AAP has won twice, and is a deception perpetrated on the people.
“The opposition’s priority is to save their alliance. The opposition is not worried about Manipur… Delhi is not a state but a Union Territory… The Parliament has the right to make laws for Delhi,” Union minister Amit Shah, who will move the bill in the upper house, has said.
