Delhi Ordinance row: Amid the ongoing tussle with the Centre over an ordinance on services, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has sought time to meet Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi to seek the party's support in Parliament against the “undemocratic and unconstitutional” ordinance passed by the BJP government. He is also likely to discuss the general assault on the federal structure and the prevailing political situation with the Congress top brass.
“Sought time this morning to meet Cong President Sh Kharge ji and Sh Rahul Gandhi ji to seek Cong support in Parl against undemocratic n unconstitutional ordinance passed by BJP govt and also to discuss general assault on federal structure and prevailing political situation,” tweeted Kejriwal.
AAP sought support of all non-BJP parties
AAP has sought the support of all non-BJP parties in defeating in Rajya Sabha a Bill to replace the Centre's ordinance on Delhi's Services matter, saying this is a "time for agni pariksha" for Opposition parties, and they should come together if they want to save the country's democracy and Constitution.
The AAP supremo has also met several leaders from different parties seeking support in Parliament against the BJP and many have extended support to him.
Kejriwal met NCP supremo Sharad Pawar in Mumbai. He had called on Pawar to enlist his support in forging opposition unity on the issue. Pawar was the fifth leader Kejriwal met in the last five days seeking support. Pawar indicated that he would speak to the Congress as well as Biju Janata Dal leadership to ensure unity in the opposition ranks over the issue.
The AAP supremo met Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his deputy Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday in Delhi while he met West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday followed by a meeting with Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday.
Kejriwal already has the support of Uddhav Thackeray, Mamata Banerjee, Nitish Kumar and his deputy Tejashwi Yadav.
What is the 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.
