Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led by Arvind Kejriwal, stating that the purpose of the ordinance introduced by the BJP-led central government regarding the transfer of bureaucrats in Delhi is to investigate alleged corruption within the party. Lekhi made these remarks during an interview with ANI, stating that those political leaders who come to support the AAP will also be considered corrupt.
Lekhi’s comments came in response to Kejriwal’s announcement that he would seek the support of opposition party leaders against the central government’s ordinance, following the recent Supreme Court ruling that empowered the AAP. Kejriwal plans to meet Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) President Sharad Pawar and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray in Mumbai to garner support against the Centre’s ordinance on bureaucrats’ transfer in the national capital. The meetings are scheduled for May 24 and May 25, respectively.
In another development, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed his support for Kejriwal during a meeting in Delhi. Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav was also present on the occasion. Kumar extended his support to the AAP chief against the Centre’s ordinance, which aims to give control of ‘services’ back to the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi.
On Friday, the central government introduced an ordinance to notify rules for the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) concerning transfer postings, vigilance, and other incidental matters. The ordinance seeks to amend the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991, and it bypasses the Supreme Court judgment in the Centre vs. Delhi case.
Kejriwal criticized the move as “undemocratic and illegal,” alleging that it “attacks the basic structure of the Constitution.” He accused the Centre of challenging the top court’s ruling and deliberately waiting for the court to close at 4 pm before passing the ordinance at 10 pm on the same day. Kejriwal emphasized the importance of having officers under the control of the elected government for efficient governance, as acknowledged by the court.
The issue of control over bureaucrats in Delhi has become a contentious matter between the AAP-led Delhi government and the central government. The recent ordinance has further intensified the political battle, with Kejriwal seeking support from opposition leaders to challenge the ordinance. The situation is likely to evolve as political parties and stakeholders take their positions and the matter progresses through legal and political avenues.