AAP Leader Raghav Chadha Counters Amit Shah’s Jibe Over Delhi Services Bill in Lok Sabha

New Delhi, August 4, 2023: A war of words erupted between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Home Minister Amit Shah in the Lok Sabha on Thursday during the presentation of the Delhi services bill. AAP MP Raghav Chadha hit back at Shah’s veiled attack, accusing the BJP of wanting to render the Delhi administration ineffective due to their inability to form a government in the national capital.

“They (BJP) have realized that they can never form a government in Delhi after the emergence of Arvind Kejriwal, and that’s why they have decided to make government administration ineffective and impotent,” Chadha asserted in response to Shah’s remarks.

Amit Shah, while introducing the Delhi services bill, took a dig at the AAP and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, alleging corruption in the renovation of bungalows. He stated that the real intention of the party was to fight, not to serve the people. Shah highlighted the need for control over the vigilance department to address alleged corruption issues, like the construction of bungalows.

Furthermore, Shah criticized the opposition’s INDIA bloc, claiming they came together not for the sake of democracy, the country, or its people, but solely to oppose the bill and support their alliance.

The Lok Sabha passed the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which grants the Lieutenant-Governor of Delhi control over Group A services, replacing an existing ordinance related to transfers and postings of senior officers in the city government. The bill smoothly passed in the Lower House by a voice vote, given the BJP-led NDA’s majority.

However, the attention now shifts to the Rajya Sabha, where the NDA lacks a majority. While the YSRCP and Biju Janata Dal have expressed support for the bill, its fate in the Upper House remains uncertain.

As the political drama unfolds, the Delhi services bill continues to be a topic of intense debate and discussion, with the AAP and BJP locking horns over its implications for the governance and administration of the national capital.