The Rajya Sabha passed a contentious bill today, despite a walkout by the Congress and many other opposition parties, including Delhi’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party, that would give the city’s Lieutenant Governor — the Centre’s delegate — more powers than the city’s elected government. The bill is seen as a major setback for Arvind Kejriwal’s administration, which has been at odds with the Lieutenant Governor since taking office in the national capital for the first time in 2013.
The Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill clarifies that the word “government” in Delhi refers to the Lieutenant Governor and that the Lieutenant Governor’s advice must be sought before the Delhi government can take any action.
In a tweet, Mr. Kejriwal said: “The GNCTD Amendment Bill is passed by the RS. For India’s independence, this is a sad day. We will continue to fight to reclaim power for the people. Regardless of the challenges, we will Endeavour to do excellent work. Work is not going to pause or slow down.”
The bill was passed after two days of chaos in the Upper House, where opposition MPs repeatedly said it will destroy democracy. The opposition has been demanding that the bill be sent to a Select Committee.
Today, the legislation was passed in Rajya Sabha by a voice vote. The opposition had sought a division when the government moved the bill for consideration. During voting, 83 members were in favor while 45 opposed the bill. Just before the passage of the bill, Congress too walked out.
“The country’s Constitution is being amended without any constitutional amendments,” Sanjay Singh said, noting that the current form of administration in Delhi was achieved after 69 constitutional amendments.
A constitutional reform requires a two-thirds majority in parliament, not a mere majority, and the BJP does not have enough seats in the Upper House to do so.
The bill was opposed by several opposition parties, including the Congress, the Trinamool Congress, Lalu Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal, Shiv Sena, Andhra Pradesh’s ruling YSR Congress, and the Akali Dal. In the center of today’s discussion, the YSR Congress stormed out.
The bill will not be approved by the people, according to the AAP, and there will be demonstrations, similar to the farmers’ protests. It also said that Mr. Kejriwal’s support for the protesting farmers was one of the main reasons for the bill’s introduction.
“The government was chosen by two crore voters. What offense have we committed? Much of this occurred when Kejriwal did not imprison farmers when they arrived in Delhi. It is necessary to cancel the bill “Mr. Singh explained.
He said that the Act’s amendments would establish a sound governance structure in Delhi by increasing openness, clarity, justice, and inclusiveness, as well as increasing accountability.
