Naveen Patnaik's BJD To Back Centre's Bill On Delhi Services, Oppose No-Trust Motion

The BJD has decided to support the bill replacing the Delhi services ordinance and challenge the Opposition's no-confidence motion against the BJP-led government.

The Naveen Patnaik-led BJD will support the Centre in its attempt to bring in an act to replace the Delhi services ordinance. ( Image Source :PTI )

The BJD has decided to support the bill replacing the Delhi services ordinance. BJD Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra said that the party will also oppose the no-trust motion by Opposition parties in Lok Sabha.

Union Minister Nityanad Rai on Tuesday tabled the controversial Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, in the Lok Sabha to replace the Delhi services ordinance. Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury opposed the bill in Lok Sabha but was asked to take his seat by Speaker Om Birla. RSP MP NK Premachandran, too, opposed the bill, saying that this will render the Delhi government "useless". AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi also opposed the bill, calling it a violation of Article 123 of the Constitution. 

Union Minister Amit Shah urged Speaker Om Birla to allow debate on the Bill, saying Supreme Court has clarified that Parliament can bring any law regarding Delhi. However, Opposition leaders raised slogans against the government over the Bill.

#WATCH | Union Home Minister Amit Shah speaks on GNCT (Amendment) bill 2023 in the Lok Sabha, says "Constitution has given the House, power to pass any law regarding the state of Delhi. Supreme Court judgement has clarified that Parliament can bring any law regarding the state of… pic.twitter.com/IoAlEP6prt

— ANI (@ANI) August 1, 2023

Owing to the chaos, Birla allowed the Bill to be debated in Lok Sabha by a voiced vote and adjourned the House till 3 PM. 

What Is The Delhi Ordinance?

A Constitution Bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud on May 11 ruled that the Delhi government has the authority to make laws and administer civil services in the national capital. However, on May 19, the Centre issued the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023, asserting its power over services in the capital through the Governor.

The ordinance established a Chief Minister-chaired National Capital Civil Service Authority (NCCSA), which would control the postings and appointments of civil service officers in Delhi government departments, excluding public order, police, and land. The Lieutenant Governor may consult the CM at his "discretion" but his decision would be final in case of disagreements.