AAP Wants Control Of Vigilance Department To Hide Corruption And Build Bungalows: Amit Shah Amid Protests Over Delhi Services Bill

Union Home Minister Amit Shah defended the Centre's Delhi Services Bill to override a Supreme Court order — stating that the opposition should focus on Delhi rather than their INDIA coalition.

During the introduction of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 in the Lok Sabha, Amit Shah referred to the Supreme Court's order which grants parliament the authority to make laws regarding the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

He emphasised that the constitution allows the central government to enact laws for Delhi.

Amit Shah urged political parties not to support corruption in Delhi simply because of their alliance, adding that Prime Minister Modi will as it is win the election with a majority.

His comments were directed towards the Aam Aadmi Party, which governs Delhi and is now part of the INDIA coalition.

Amit Shah criticized the AAP, that came to power in Delhi in 2015, accusing them of prioritizing conflict over service. He argued that the issue is not merely about transfer postings, but about gaining control of the vigilance department to conceal corruption, such as the construction of personal bungalows.

India's founding fathers, such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, C Rajagopalachari, Rajendra Prasad, and BR Ambedkar, were reportedly opposed to granting full state status to Delhi.

Shah strongly criticised the AAP government, stating that the administration in Delhi had functioned smoothly under various governments prior to the party's rise in 2015.

In May, an ordinance was issued to override a Supreme Court ruling in favor of the elected AAP government led by Arvind Kejriwal. This ordinance pertained to the control of Delhi's bureaucracy, known as services.

The bill grants the central government the authority to establish regulations regarding the affairs of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi. This includes defining the functions, terms, and conditions of service for officers and employees.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has requested the opposition's assistance in opposing the bill, especially in the Rajya Sabha where the government lacks a majority.

However, with the backing of three influential regional parties who are not aligned with the opposition bloc, the bill is anticipated to easily pass through the upper house.