'Sad day for Indian democracy', says Kejriwal after GNCTD amendment Bill was passed by RS

New Delhi:The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment)Bill, 202, giving more power to Delhi Lieutenant Governor(LG) was passed by the Rajya Sabha by voice vote on Wednesday amid the Opposition and a walkout by the BJD, SP, and the YSR-Congress.

This Bill has already been passed by the Lok Sabha on Monday, therefore, this Bill got the Parliament’s approval.The Opposition parties including Congress while debating on this Bill, demanded to send it to the Select Committee which was rejected by the Government.

The Bill had to witness huge uproar by the TMC and AAP Members and the proceedings of the House was adjourned thrice.Replying to the debate, the Minister of States for Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy said that Bill was brought to clear ambiguity in the powers of the Delhi LG and the Delhi’s elected Government.

“The Centre had no intension to govern Delhi via backdoor nor this has been brought with an aim of any political goal”, Mr Reddy said, adding that this Government has not brought the Constitutional amendments done in the year in 1991,

He also said it will improve equity and inclusiveness. The amendment will lead to transparency and clarity in governance in NCT Delhi and enhance public accountability, he added. Mr Reddy further said with this GNCT bill, BJP does not want to take away the power of the State govt.

“Delhi is not a full-fledged State and the L-G is the administrator of the UT and the Bill's legality is well within the ambit of the constitution and does not curtail in any power enjoyed by the Delhi elected Government”, the Minister said.

He also said that when the Delhi government takes the law made by the Parliament to the Court, then the Modi government cannot remain a silent spectator, it has brought a new Bill to clarify the situation.

Claiming that the Opposition has also misinterpreted the order of the Supreme Court and keeping this in mind, the Government has brought this amendment bill. The Modi government has full faith in democracy and works accordingly, Mr Reddy said in the House.

Delhi CM Kejriwal disappointed by the move

New Delhi:Immediately after The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi(Amendment) Bill, 2021, giving more power to Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) was passed by the Rajya Sabha, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday said it was ''Sad day for Indian democracy''and said the Aam Aadmi Party will continue its ''struggle to restore power back to people''.

The Bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha by voice vote on Wednesday amid the uproar by the Oppositionand a walkout by the BJD, SP, and the YSR-Congress.This Bill has already been passed by the Lok Sabha on Monday, therefore, this Bill got the Parliament’s approval.

''RS passes GNCTD amendment Bill. Sad day for Indian democracy. We will continue our struggle to restore power back to people. Whatever be the obstacles, we will continue doing good work. Work will neither stop nor slow down,'' Mr Kejriwal said in a tweet.(UNI)