Lok Sabha Clears Bill To Enhance Powers Of Lieutenant Governor Of Delhi

Mumbai: Lok Sabha on Monday passed the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021 that seeks to enhance the powers of the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi.

The bill, alleged by the Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi, empowers the Lieutenant Governor (L-G), who is appointed by the central government.

Once the bill is passed by both houses of parliament and gets primary approval, the government will inevitably have an L-G in Delhi. This is because the law must compulsorily take the opinion of LG before taking any executive action against the Delhi government.

This bill was passed by the Lok Sabha, AAP and was strongly opposed by Congress. The AAP, which was in power in Delhi, described it as “unconstitutional”.

The Central Bill seeks to clarify that “Government” in Delhi means “Lieutenant Governor”.

Delhi BJP President Aadesh Gupta said that there is an objective of better coordination between the Center and the elected government in Delhi. Gupta welcomed the bill, saying it would remove existing “ambiguity” and ensure rapid development in the capital.

“The bill is aimed at promoting harmonious relations between the legislature and the executive. It clearly defines the responsibilities of the elected government and the Lt Governor,” he said.

“Kejriwal should stop spreading lies on the bill’s finer points,” he said.

Opposing the bill, AAP national convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had earlier urged the Center to withdraw the proposed legislation. He even went on to say that his government was ready to fall at the feet of the NDA government to overturn the bill.

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