New Delhi, August 3, 2023: Home Minister Amit Shah launched a scathing attack on the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in parliament, accusing them of opposing the Delhi services bill to conceal corruption.
Initiating the debate in Lok Sabha on the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, Shah alleged that the real issue with the bill was not about the control of officer transfers but to hide “the truth of the bungalow worth crores” by gaining control over vigilance.
The Home Minister’s remarks alluded to alleged irregularities in the renovation of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence. Taking a swipe at AAP, Shah highlighted the previous collaboration between BJP and Congress governments in Delhi and at the Centre, emphasizing that problems arose only after “a party came to power in Delhi whose only motive was to fight, and not serve.”
Appealing to the opposition to prioritize Delhi’s welfare over their alliance, INDIA, Amit Shah urged all parties not to indulge in politics for electoral gains. “Bills and laws are for the benefit of the people. These should be supported or opposed keeping in mind the welfare of the people of Delhi,” he stated firmly.
Responding to Shah’s remarks, AAP MP Sushil Gupta hit back, claiming that Amit Shah couldn’t handle the law and order situation in Delhi. He defended Arvind Kejriwal’s leadership and asserted that Delhi had been transformed into a “world-class” city.
The Delhi services bill, also known as The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, tabled by Amit Shah in Parliament, has become a major point of contention between AAP and the Centre. The bill, aiming to replace an existing ordinance that overrides a Supreme Court order granting Delhi government control over most services, proposes to vest actions like suspensions and inquiries of the national capital’s officials under the central government’s control.
The AAP criticized the bill as the “most undemocratic” legislation designed to centralize powers and undermine state governments’ autonomy. The opposition alliance, INDIA, vowed to oppose the bill.
As the debate heats up in Parliament over the Delhi services bill, the nation awaits the outcome of the discussions that will shape the power dynamics in the capital city.
