Opposition leaders on Saturday accused the Union government of “bulldozing the Constitutional federal framework” after it brought an ordinance that gives the Union-appointed lieutenant governor the final say on the postings and transfers of all bureaucrats serving the Delhi government.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that the ordinance was unconstitutional and a “direct challenge” to the Supreme Court.
“We will approach the Supreme Court against it. The Union introduced the ordinance on services matter just hours after the apex court has shut for vacation…I will also go to people, door to door, in Delhi and AAP will also take to the streets against the ordinance because it snatches powers of Delhi people,” Kejriwal said.
Kejriwal urged Opposition parties not to let this bill pass in the Rajya Sabha, adding that he will meet political leaders to discuss the issue.
The ordinance, promulgated by President Droupadi Murmu, effectively negates the May 11 Supreme Court verdict stating that the Delhi government has legislative power over bureaucrats excluding the departments of public order, police and land.
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) said that the Union government’s action was a “direct assault” on the federal character of the Constitution and the rules of accountability and democratic governance as defined by the Supreme Court.
National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said the ordinance was a travesty and goes against the spirit of cooperative federalism.
Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Manoj Kumar Jha said the Union’s ordinance was a “warning signal” to all elected governments.
