BJP-AAP blame game over: Congress on Supreme Court verdict

Congress said the two parties should now ensure that the development of the national capital should start again which was "stalled" for years.

Congress said the two parties should now ensure that the development of the national capital should start again which was "stalled" for years. (PTI)

New Delhi: The Congress party on Wednesday said the Supreme Court's verdict on the power tussle between the Delhi government and the Centre had done away with all the possibilities of a "blame game" between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The Opposition party added by saying that the two parties should now ensure that the development of the national capital should start again which was "stalled" for years. After the landmark judgement by the apex court, Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken said, "Since the apex court has clarified about the powers in Delhi, we hope that the development, which has been stalled ever since the Congress was voted out of power over four years ago, will start again." The LG and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal should stop the "blame game" now and develop Delhi as the Congress did during its 15-year rule (1998-2013), Maken added. While former CM of Delhi, Sheila Dikshit said what the Supreme Court has done is to reiterate the role of LG and Delhi government. "I think what SC has said is very clear. As per Article 239 (AA) of the Constitution, Delhi is not a state, it is a UT. If Delhi Government and LG don't work together then Delhi will face problems. Congress ruled Delhi for 15 years, no conflict took place then." "There has been no change," she added.

I think what SC has said is very clear. As per Article 239 (AA) of the Constitution, Delhi is not a state,it is a UT.If Delhi Govt&LG don't work together then Delhi will face problems. Congress ruled Delhi for 15 years, no conflict took place then: Sheila Dikshit, Former Delhi CM pic.twitter.com/UhRLmovOKN

— ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2018

In its verdict, the Supreme Court today held that Lieutenant Governor (LG) Anil Baijal did not have independent decision-making powers and that he was bound to act on the aid and advice of the council of ministers. The apex court decision is a major victory for the Kejriwal-led AAP government, which has been in a constant tug of war with the LG over the power wielded by the two branches of the executive.