Sisodia compares BJP Govt with British rule

Recalling British rule in India and comparing its functioning with the current Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regime at the Centre, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia  said interference of Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal in executing Government’s work is like “kingdom” rule.

 Citing the Supreme Court recent verdict and thanking to constitutional Bench, Sisodia while speaking at the Delhi Assembly on Thursday, said, “The court has cleared to the L-G that he is not having independent decision-making powers, and was bound to act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers.”

Sisodia was referring to July 4 verdict of the apex court on the division of power between the L-G and the Delhi Government. Sisodia thanked the Supreme Court for its verdict which ended the “obstructionist role” of the  L-G and the manipulations of Opposition and also empowering the elected representatives of people..

 Elaborating the hurdles in passing the orders pertaining to providing funds to soldiers killed in action, education loans, mohalla clinics,  patient welfare committees and health insurance, the Deputy Chief Minister  said that the works were delayed due to obstructionist role of the Lieutenant Governor. Several months were wasted for not passing the orders, Sisodia said.

To provide compensations to Delhi people for their roles in different services, what is the need to consult Central Ministries,” Sisodia asked while targeting  the then Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung.

Quoting the apex court’s verdict, he further said that with its clear verdict on aid and advise provision and powers of elected Government on subjects barring three reserved entries, the apex court also did away with any scope of manipulation by Opposition.”

Targeting BJP legislators, AAP leaders said they (BJP leaders)  said that Opposition was master of manipulation. However, Leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta hit out at the AAP Government for misinterpreting the apex court verdict.  “The Delhi High Court verdict of (August 4, 2016) specifically upheld the Centre’s notification of May 21, 2015 that the L-G will discharge the Union’s functions, In respect of services.

 “The Supreme Court did not rule on this notification and the powers conferred on L-G under Article 239AA of the Constitution are operative,” Gupta put his point.

The contentious services matter that includes transfers and postings of Delhi Government officials continues to be a bone of contention between the AAP Government and L-G of Delhi.