Centre to table bill replacing Delhi ordinance amid Manipur deadlock
The central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will likely table the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, in the Parliament on Tuesday. The controversial bill would give it authority over the transfer of key bureaucrats and Delhi government services. This comes amid the deadlock between the Centre and opposition over the demand for a discussion on Manipur violence.
Why does this story matter?
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the Centre allegedly seeks to put bureaucrats above the Delhi chief minister through this bill. It triggered a fresh tussle between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the BJP, as the former had been gathering opposition support in the matter. Members of the opposition bloc, the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), have also come out against it.
Storm likely over Delhi (Amendment) Bill
The Delhi (Amendment) Bill will likely cause a storm in Parliament as the issue has united the opposition following a campaign by the AAP led by Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. If passed, it will replace the current Delhi Services Ordinance and give the Centre control over the national capital's bureaucracy. Moreover, a notice for a no-confidence motion on Manipur remains pending before the House.
Crucial meeting of Kejriwal, L-G ahead of bill introduction
Meanwhile, Kejriwal met with Delhi's Lieutenant Governor (L-G) VK Saxena on Monday ahead of the introduction of the bill that attempts to replace the Delhi ordinance. However, neither side commented on the details of the meeting, which lasted more than half an hour at the Raj Niwas. According to reports, the meeting was "cordial" as they both discussed issues concerning Delhi.
Suspension of business notice over Manipur violence
Separately, AAP MP Raghav Chadha has submitted a suspension of business notice in the Parliament to debate the collapse of law and order in Manipur. He alleged that both the state and central governments have failed to control the violence. Congress MP from Tamil Nadu, Manickam Tagore, also submitted an adjournment request in the Lok Sabha to discuss the Jaipur-Mumbai Express train shooting.
PM Modi should stop 'insulting' Parliament: Opposition
On Monday, the opposition said PM Modi should stop "insulting" the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha and come to the Parliament for a "comprehensive" discussion on Manipur violence. Congress Deputy Leader in Rajya Sabha Pramod Tiwari said the first priority should be to hold a detailed discussion on Manipur. He added people have been killed and several incidents of sexual assault have happened.
Know about changes in Delhi (Amendment) Bill
The bill has three significant alterations, including eliminating a controversial provision that seemed to reverse the May 11 Supreme Court verdict, which gave the elected government control over Delhi's administration, according to the Hindustan Times. The bill also suggests modifying the way tribunal heads are selected in the national capital, with some powers now being given to the Delhi L-G.
