AAP ultimatum to Opposition: Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party has given an ultimatum to Opposition parties, especially Congress to clear its stand on the Centre’s Ordinance. AAP said that until the Congress publicly “denounces” the Ordinance, the party will not participate in future meetings of like-minded parties where the Congress is a participant. Kejriwal in the last few months held meetings with heads of different political parties, especially non-NDA allies in order to gather support to counter the Centre's ordinance on Delhi services.
Except for Congress others expressed their stand
In a statement on meeting of political parties in Patna, Kejriwal’s party said except for the Congress, all other 11 parties, which have representation in the Rajya Sabha, have clearly expressed their stand against the “Black Ordinance” and announced that they would oppose it in the Rajya Sabha.
According to AAP, a total of 15 parties attended the like-minded party meeting in Patna, out of which 12 have representation in the Rajya Sabha.
“The Black Ordinance not only aims to snatch the democratic rights of an elected government in Delhi, but also poses a significant threat to India's democracy and Constitutional principles. If left unchallenged, this dangerous trend could spread to all other states, resulting in the usurpation of power from democratically elected state governments. It is crucial to defeat this Black Ordinance,” the AAP statement reads.
Congress announced to support Modi govt
The AAP said that a national party that takes a stand on almost all issues, is yet to make its position on the “Black Ordinance public”. “However, the Congress’ Delhi and Punjab units have announced that the party should support the Modi government on this issue,” it said.
It said that during the meeting, many parties urged Congress to publicly denounce the Black Ordinance. However, the Congress refused to do so.
“Congress’ silence raises suspicions about its real intentions. In personal discussions, senior Congress leaders have hinted that their party might informally or formally abstain from voting on it in the Rajya Sabha,” it said adding that the Congress' abstention from voting on this issue will help the BJP immensely in furthering its attack on Indian democracy.
It said that the Black Ordinance is anti-constitutional, anti-federalism, and outright undemocratic. Furthermore, it seeks to reverse the Supreme Court’s judgment on the issue and is an affront to the judiciary.
Congress’ hesitation and refusal to act as a team player, especially on an issue as important as this one, would make it very difficult for the AAP to be a part of any alliance that includes Congress.
‘Will be difficult for AAP to participate in future meetings’
“Until the Congress publicly denounces the Black Ordinance and declares that all 31 of its RS MPs will oppose the ordinance in the Rajya Sabha, it will be difficult for AAP to participate in future meetings of like-minded parties where the Congress is a participant. It’s high time that Congress decides whether it stands with the people of Delhi or the Modi government,” it added.
About centre's ordinance?
The ordinance was issued on May 19, days after a Supreme Court verdict gave the Delhi government control over bureaucrats assigned to departments under its purview. The BJP-ruled Centre has brought an ordinance notifying rules for the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) regarding the ‘transfer-posting, vigilance and other incidental matters' in Delhi.
According to the ordinance, the Centre has constituted a ‘National Capital Civil Services Authority’ in Delhi. This comprises of Delhi CM, Chief Secretary and Home Secretary of Delhi government, who will now decide on the transfer and posting of Group 'A' officers and DANICS officers serving in the Delhi government.
It strengthened the position of the Lieutenant Governor, allowing him to act in 'sole discretion' in deciding matters related to the transfer and posting of bureaucrats. The ordinance said that "there shall be an authority to be known as the National Capital Civil Service Authority to exercise the powers conferred on, and discharge the functions assigned to it".
The apex court had earlier upheld the primacy of Delhi's elected government in this regard, except for matters relating to law and order and land. Notably, any ordinance needs to be passed by Parliament within six weeks of its re-assembly, or it lapses.
