Lok Sabha approves Bill giving Centre more power over Delhi
What's the story
In a blow to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi, the Lok Sabha on Monday approved a proposed law to give the central government more power over the national capital. The development is said to undermine the AAP government and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who called it "an insult to the people of Delhi." Here are more details.
Details
Lok Sabha passed GNCTD Amendment Bill
The Lok Sabha has cleared the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021. The Bill seeks to amend the GNCT of Delhi Act, 1991, and redefines Delhi Government as the Lieutenant-Governor (L-G). It says the L-G's opinion "shall be obtained" on all such matters as may be specified by him before any executive action on decisions of the Council of Ministers.
Context
AAP had secured landslide victory in 2020 elections
The Kejriwal-led AAP had won the 2020 Assembly elections in Delhi, bagging a whopping 62 out of 70 Assembly seats. The Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)—which leads the ruling National Democratic Alliance at the Centre—had won a meager eight seats during the election. The AAP has notably often accused the BJP of trying to rule Delhi by proxy, through the L-G.
Quote
BJP has cheated people: Kejriwal
Reacting to the news, Kejriwal said on Twitter, "The passage of the GNCTD amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha today is an insult to the people of Delhi." "The Bill effectively takes away powers from those who were voted by the people and gives powers to run Delhi to those who were defeated. The BJP has cheated people," the CM added.
Supreme Court
Bill seen as attempt to circumvent Supreme Court's 2018 decision
The Bill is viewed as a way to circumvent the interpretation made by the Supreme Court in the Delhi v/s LG case. In 2018, a five-judge Constitution Bench of the SC had held that the L-G is "bound by the aid and advice" of the Council of Ministers of Delhi Government, except in matters of land, police, and public order.