8 August 2023, Mumbai: The ruling BJP succeeded in obtaining parliamentary approval for the Delhi Services Bill after a contentious debate on Monday. In addition to focusing on the bill, the BJP directed criticism towards the main opposition party, Congress, for allegedly orchestrating the presence of ailing former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in the Upper House. This move was seen as an attempt by the Congress-led Opposition to bolster their numbers.
BJP Condemns Congress’s Actions on Twitter
Taking to Twitter, the BJP posted a picture of the wheelchair-bound former Prime Minister seated in a wheelchair, deeming the act “utterly shameful.” The BJP criticized Congress for compelling an ailing former leader to attend the Rajya Sabha in a bid to bolster their parliamentary strength, dubbing it a display of madness.
Delhi Services Bill Overview
The Delhi Services Bill seeks to establish an authority for the transfer and posting of Group-A officers in Delhi, excluding matters related to public order, police, and land. The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023 was promulgated on May 19 by the Centre, paving the way for the bill’s introduction.
Amit Shah’s Justification for the Bill
Union Home Minister Amit Shah defended the bill, asserting that its purpose was not to centralize power, but rather to prevent the Delhi government from encroaching on the Centre’s authority. Shah argued that the bill was necessitated by lawlessness that had permeated Delhi’s governance.
Accusations Against Congress
Shah accused Congress of opposing a constitutional amendment it had previously introduced for political appeasement. He criticized Congress’s stance on democracy, citing the imposition of the Emergency in 1975 as a contradiction to their lecturing on democratic values.
Passage of the Bill and Controversy
The bill was ultimately passed after rejecting motions to send it to a select committee and dismissing proposed amendments by opposition members. Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh announced the result of the division of votes, leading to the bill’s passage. BJP MPs celebrated the outcome by chanting “Modi, Modi” and applauding.
Controversy arose over the inclusion of names of MPs, including Sasmit Patra of BJD and M Thambidurai of AIADMK, in a proposed select committee without their consent. Shah deemed this inclusion without consent a fraudulent action and called for an investigation.