Delhi bill chaos: AAP cries foul, claims India worse than Pakistan

In a highly charged move, Delhi‘s ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is locked in a fierce battle with the BJP. The bone of contention? The just-passed National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023. This legislation, critics argue, fortifies the Centre’s grip over Delhi’s bureaucratic machinery. And AAP isn’t taking it lying down!

AAP’s Fierce Retaliation: Modi’s Regime Worse than Pakistan?

Atishi, a frontline leader of the party, had a lot to say about the country’s top brass. Alluding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she drew a rather daring comparison between India and its neighbour, Pakistan. The essence? PM Modi, according to her, has brought the Indian political scene down to levels that are more undemocratic than Pakistan. In her words, it’s a scenario where crucial bills pass without the much-needed debates and discussions. Essentially, the core rights of Delhi’s populace, Atishi argues, are under threat.

Kejriwal Hits Back: Calls Out BJP’s ‘Backdoor’ Tactic!

The Delhi Chief Minister wasn’t one to remain silent. Arvind Kejriwal wasted no time in pointing fingers at the BJP, painting them as desperate. According to Kejriwal, the BJP, facing multiple defeats against AAP in Delhi elections, might be seeking an alternative route to assert their rule in the capital.

Kejriwal’s Response to Delhi Bill: Accuses BJP of Backdoor Politics. Photo courtesy of Yadhu Krishna BP/Wikimedia Commons.

Deeper Dive: The Bill’s Contentious Passage

Passed by the Rajya Sabha, the bill’s focus lies on empowering Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor to oversee the key Group A services. This includes the crucial facets of appointments, transfers, and bureaucratic postings. Although the bill garnered 131 votes in its favour, a significant 102 stood against it. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, a strong advocate for the bill, firmly stated its compliance with the Supreme Court’s judgment, ensuring Delhi’s elected government remains paramount.

Yet, AAP, foreseeing the substantial impact on their governance, has tirelessly campaigned against it. They fervently argue that this legislation, if fully realized, could potentially be wielded to sideline any opposition-governed state.

The final step? The bill awaits the President’s signature. Once approved, the Centre will have considerable leverage over the Delhi government, especially in bureaucratic assignments.