August 7, 2023
Introduction
In a high-stakes political battle, the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, is set to face discussion and voting in the Rajya Sabha today, following its successful passage in the Lok Sabha. The bill, which replaces an earlier ordinance that had stirred up significant controversy, has been met with both anticipation and apprehension, as the ruling party aims to consolidate control over bureaucrats in Delhi.
Vote in Favour of bill on last Thursday
The Lok Sabha witnessed a dramatic voice vote in favour of the bill last Thursday, amidst a walkout by the Opposition. The Ordinance being replaced had previously shifted administrative control over bureaucrats away from the Delhi government, a move that sparked an intense struggle between the Center and the elected government led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
Rajya Sabha to be a challenging hurdle
While the government’s bill garnered support in the lower house, the Rajya Sabha presents a more challenging battlefield. The NDA coalition strives to surpass the majority mark of 119 in the 237-member house. The ruling party is likely to secure the necessary votes with the backing of its allies.
With the BJP and its partners having a total of 105 members, the support of the Biju Janata Dal and Andhra Pradesh’s YSR Congress, both of which command nine MPs each, is poised to play a pivotal role in securing the bill’s passage. The ruling party is confident in the backing of five nominated and two independent MPs, taking their total count to 130.
Absentee members to affect the vote
On the other side of the aisle, the opposition coalition INDIA holds 104 MPs. Several members are reported to be unwell and may not be present during the proceedings. Notably, Sanjay Singh of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has been suspended from the house. The absence of these members could potentially bring the majority mark down, which may pave the way for the bill to be passed.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his opposition allies acknowledge that the numbers are not in their favour. However, they view the upcoming debate as an opportunity to voice their concerns and criticisms regarding the bill. The opposition has consistently maintained that the bill threatens the autonomy of elected governments and establishes a precedent for central control over states.
The Ordinance that the bill seeks to replace had overridden a Supreme Court ruling granting administrative authority to the elected government in Delhi. This ruling followed an eight-year power struggle between the Central government and the Kejriwal administration. The Ordinance had established the National Capital Civil Services Authority, comprising members such as the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, and Principal Home Secretary, with the Lieutenant Governor serving as the final decision-maker on crucial matters.
CM Of Delhi in Opposition
Chief Minister Kejriwal’s AAP has vehemently opposed the new rule, asserting that it could set a dangerous precedent allowing the Central government to sideline elected administrations across states.
Kejriwal’s party claims that the Ordinance undermines the democratic mandate achieved by the AAP in Delhi’s elections and represents a betrayal of the people’s trust.
Union Minister Amit Shah, who is set to present the bill in the upper house. It has argued that the priority of the opposition is to safeguard their political alliances rather than focusing on the interests of Delhi residents. Shah emphasized that Delhi, classified as a Union Territory, falls under the jurisdiction of the Parliament to enact laws.
Conclusion
As the Rajya Sabha deliberates on this contentious bill, the outcome remains uncertain. However, what is clear is that this legislative battle holds significant implications for the relationship between the central and state governments, and the balance of power within the Indian political landscape.
