Delhi govt moves resolution against Centre's L-G notification

Says the notification is an insult to the biggest mandate of Delhi's people; AAP MLAs demand greater powers for Delhi govt

A day after the Delhi High Court vindicated the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s stand over Delhi Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB)’s jurisdiction to book officers of central services, the Delhi Assembly on Tuesday moved a resolution against the Central government’s notification, giving absolute powers to the Lieutenant Governor on transfers and postings of senior bureaucrats and limiting the powers of the ACB. Prior to the Assembly proceedings, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal met L-G Najeeb Jung apprising him of the two-day emergency Assembly session.

The Assembly also witnessed high drama after Bharatiya Janata Party MLA O P Sharma was removed for speaking against the Speaker. AAP MLAs demanded greater powers for the Delhi government. AAP member Adarsh Shastri even demanded the Constitution should be amended so that the Assembly is empowered to impeach the Lieutenant Governor. The government, however, distanced itself from Shastri’s statements, saying it was his personal view.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia moved a motion against the Union home  ministry’s notification. Sisodia said, “The issuance of the notification is an insult to the biggest mandate of Delhi's people.” He stated that the notification was in violation of the Constitution. Sisodia said there have been attempts to “curb rights” of a democratically-elected government and cutting across party lines everyone should oppose such a move.

While an AAP MLA compared Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Hitler and warned the Centre against interfering in Delhi’s affairs, another MLA Alka Lamba alleged proximity between the L-G and the PM. While this was opposed by the three BJP MLAs, the ruckus led to a brief adjournment of proceedings. Sisodia then urged AAP MLAS to not to make provocative statements.

Meanwhile, the Union home ministry has started consultations with legal experts in view of the high court ruling that the Centre’s notification was “suspect”. The Centre is also keeping a close watch on the proceedings at the Delhi Assembly.      Backed by the court verdict, Kejriwal transferred nine bureaucrats on Tuesday to new positions. It was the transfer and postings of bureaucrats that had triggered a power struggle between the L-G and the CM, which led to the Centre stepping in and issuing a notification backing the L-G.

Meanwhile, in a related development, the Indian Civil and Administrative (Central) Association, which is a body of IAS officers, on Tuesday said the recent practice of posting non-IAS officers in posts meant for IAS officers in some states is clear violation of rules and is demoralising to them. The association, which held a meeting against the backdrop of the recent imbroglio in Delhi, said it would soon sent a representation to the Prime Minister and President to stop this practice and might even take a legal recourse.