Delhi’s controversial utility bill will be in Rajya Sabha today for discussion and vote. Although the Opposition is fiercely against it, it will go ahead without a hitch, with the support of Naveen Patnaik’s BJD and Andhra’s YSR Congress.
The opposition, rallying to block the bill through the efforts of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, admit the numbers are not on their side. But they say the debate will give them a chance to have their say. The ordinance that the bill would replace was passed in May. He overturned the Supreme Court’s order ceding administrative control of Delhi to the elected government. After eight years of struggle between the Center and the government of Arvind Kejriwal, the Supreme Court decided that the elected government was the boss of Delhi.
The order created the National Capital Civil Service Authority responsible for posting and transferring officials stationed in Delhi. The Minister, the Secretary-General and the Interior Minister are the members who can vote on issues. The final referee is the Deputy Governor.
Mr. Kejriwal’s AAP argued that the new rule would set a precedent allowing the Center to remove any elected government in any state and take control of governance. Mr. Kejriwal said the order disregards Delhi’s mission – won twice by the AAP – and is an act of fraud against the people.
“The opposition’s priority is to save its alliance. The opposition is not worried about Manipur… Delhi is not a state but a union territory… Parliament has the power to make laws for Delhi,” said Union Minister Amit Shah, who will present the bill to the upper house.
