'Opposing Delhi Services Bill Is Wrong': Congress Leader Sandeep Dikshit Breaks Ranks With Party

Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit, a former MP from Delhi, has taken a different stance from his party by reiterating support for the Central government's ordinance bill.

Dikshit believes that opposing the bill to control Delhi services is wrong.

According to Dikshit, the bill was expected to be passed in the Lok Sabha due to the government's majority.

"It was confirmed that this bill will be passed in the Lok Sabha, as the govt has a majority there. When this bill will be introduced in the Rajya Sabha, though the govt doesn't have a majority here but just like in Lok Sabha if some other parties will support this bill, then it will be passed...In my opinion, opposing this bill is wrong," Dikshit said, reports ANI.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will present the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, in the Rajya Sabha today (7 August).

Previously, on 3 August, the bill was passed in the Lok Sabha through a voice vote after members of the Opposition alliance walked out.

Delhi Chief Minister and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal has been seeking the support of opposition parties, particularly in the Rajya Sabha, against the bill.

Dikshit launched an against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), stating that they are the ones who are trapped.

"Who is Aam Aadmi Party to attack any party, they themselves are trapped. They don't even know that their big party leaders will be outside jail or in jail. They should worry about themselves. Congress party is with them just for this bill," he added.

Additionally, the Congress leader accused Arvind Kejriwal of fooling the people of Delhi.

"The way Arvind Kejriwal has fooled the people of Delhi, he is now fooling members of the alliance and the whole country," Dikshit said.

In May, the BJP-led central government introduced an ordinance regarding the transfer and posting of bureaucrats in Delhi, virtually negating a Supreme Court ruling that granted control over services to the elected government in Delhi.

On 19 May, the Centre implemented an Ordinance to establish an authority responsible for the transfer and posting of Group-A officers in Delhi.

The AAP government has criticised this move, arguing that it contradicts the Supreme Court's decision on control of services. Prior to the Supreme Court's verdict on 11 May, the transfer and postings of all officers in the Delhi government fell under the executive control of the Lieutenant Governor.

The Congress has earlier made it clear that they will oppose the Centre's ordinance on administrative services in Delhi if a bill is brought to replace the ordinance in Parliament.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been seeking the support of opposition parties against the ordinance. Members of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance have stated that they will oppose the Bill in Parliament.