On Thursday, August 3, the Lok Sabha passed the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, to replace the services ordinance by voice vote. A nearly four-hour long debate resulted in the bill getting passed, which was replied to by the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah. The bill gives the power to the Centre to make rules pertaining to the affairs of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi, including the functions, terms, and other conditions of services of officers and employees.
Initiating the debate on the Delhi Ordinance Bill, Amit Shah said that the central government has the power to make laws on Union territories, and as Delhi is a Union Territory as well, the Centre enjoys full rights to make rules for it also.
Shah further expressed, ‘Services have always been with the Central Government. Supreme Court gave an interpretation. From 1993 to 2015, no Chief Minister fought. There were no fights because whichever government was formed, their aim was to serve the people. There is no need to fight, if there is a need to serve. But if they want power they will fight.’
Censuring the Delhi AAP government, Shah stated, ‘The BJP and the Congress had ruled the national capital without any confrontation, but problems arose only in 2015 when a government came that had no intention to serve but only to fight with the Centre.’ After the bill was passed in the Lok Sabha, Amit Shah took to X or Twitter, and expressed, ‘Today, India is witnessing the dual face of opposition. For them, the bills for public welfare are not important. To ensure a small party does not leave their alliance, they have joined forces.’
