Delhi ordinance bill passed in Lok Sabha
The National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, was passed in the Lok Sabha on Thursday following a fierce debate. If passed in the Rajya Sabha on Friday, the bill will give the Centre more power over the control of services and posting of officers in Delhi. Union Home Minister Amit Shah moved the bill for consideration and passing in the House.
Why does this story matter?
The bill attempts to replace an ordinance that seeks the Centre's complete control over Delhi's bureaucracy. The government issued it to allegedly override the Supreme Court ruling, which said the Delhi government would make decisions related to bureaucrats in Delhi. Opposition MPs, including Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Saugata Roy, NK Premachandran, Sushil Kumar Rinku, and Asaduddin Owaisi, will likely introduce a resolution opposing the ordinance.
Data Bill introduced by Union minister Ashwini Vaishnav
Notably, the Delhi Services Bill was on the House's agenda for the Wednesday session but could not be brought up because the Lok Sabha was adjourned minutes after it convened due to opposition protest. It was passed by voice vote on Thursday. Aside from the services bill, the Data Bill was introduced by Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Kejriwal accuses Modi of 'backstabbing' Delhi
Soon after the bill was passed, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of "backstabbing" the people of the national capital. The national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) further urged Delhi residents to never trust the prime minister again.
Don't believe Modi from now on: Kejriwal
Shah targets INDIA bloc, Delhi government over corruption
Earlier in the day, Shah targeted the opposition INDIA bloc for standing against the bill, saying they should think about Delhi, not their alliance. He also targeted the Delhi government led by Kejriwal, saying that the problem was not getting rights on services but rather getting control over the Vigilance Department to hide corruption.
