BJP-AAP war of words in RS over bill on unauthorised colonies

Rajya Sabha on Wednesday witnessed a war of words between the BJP and AAP during the debate on the bill to grant ownership rights to people living in unauthorised colonies in Delhi.

Both sides exchanged barbs and the house witnessed brief interruptions, forcing Satya Narayan Jatia, who was presiding over the proceedings, to stand twice to pacify the members.

The Upper House was discussing the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Recognition of Property Rights of Residents in Unauthorised Colonies) Bill, 2019, which was passed by a voice vote. The Lok Sabha has already passed it last week.

During the debate, BJP member Vijay Goel alleged that the the AAP government did not cooperate with the Centre on the issue of regularisation and delayed it.

He cited a letter by the Centre to the Delhi government dated May 31, 2017 to make boundaries and layouts of the unauthorised colonies, and said that the AAP government had replied that "we cannot do it till July 2019".

"The Centre through the Urban Development Ministry again wrote a letter to Delhi government to fix the development charges but they did not...," said Goel.

AAP member Sanjay Singh protested against Goel's remarks and accused the BJP leader of misguiding the House by giving false information. He was supported by other members of AAP in Rajya Sabha.

After this, the House witnessed a minor disruption and Jatia asked both the sides to stay calm and speak only when their turn comes.

Goel said that in coming days the government has plans to give houses to 20 lakh people living in jhuggis in Delhi