New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal lashed out at the central government Saturday for bringing an ordinance that nullifies the Supreme Court’s judgment which gave his government control over bureaucrats under its purview, calling the move an ‘attack on the country’s federal structure’.
Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal said that the central government, through its move, was challenging the apex court, and the Chief Justice of India, and further insulting the institution, while adding that his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will approach the SC to challenge the ordinance.
“They (central government) are challenging the Supreme Court, and its power, by saying that no matter what order it passes, they will finish it by passing ordinances,” said Kejriwal.
Kejriwal noted that he, along with his party functionaries, will soon hit the city’s streets to hold a “mega-rally” in order to explain to the people how the ordinance affects the elected government.
“I appeal to all Opposition parties to oppose the ordinance when it is tabled before the Rajya Sabha. I will personally meet Opposition leaders to ask for their support,” he said.
The central government brought the ordinance Friday – the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023 – through which it has formed the National Capital Civil Service Authority (NCCSA). This authority will give recommendations to the Lieutenant Governor (L-G) over matters concerning transfer posting, vigilance and other incidental matters, among others, while effectively giving more teeth to the latter’s office.
Kejriwal alleged that the issuing of the ordinance was a pre-planned move, adding that the central government waited till late Friday to do so. “The question here is why were they (central government) waiting for the Supreme Court to close for vacations in order to bring the ordinance? They could have brought it beforehand, but they know that this ordinance is completely undemocratic and illegal, and that the apex court would have struck it down,” he said.
He also questioned the central government’s decision to move the Supreme Court seeking to review the Constitution bench judgment that the Delhi government has “legislative and executive power over services” in the National Capital.
“Of the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi, the BJP will not win a single seat because the people are fed up with their activities. I want to tell the people of Delhi that the pace of our work may slow down, but it will not stop,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Delhi BJP has welcomed the central government’s move with state unit chief Virendra Sachdeva stating the ordinance was necessary to “maintain the dignity” of the National Capital and to “protect the interests of its people”.
“Kejriwal is not doing anything for the betterment of Delhi, but to only hide his shortcomings,” alleged Sachdeva.
(Edited by Smriti Sinha)
