Rajya Sabha passes bill giving more powers to LG; Opposition stages walkout

Rajya Sabha passed the Delhi National Capital Territory Government (Amendment) Bill 2021 on Wednesday amid scenes of opposition members leaving in protest. The bill, which was passed in Lok Sabha on Monday, seeks to make clear that “government” in Delhi means “lieutenant governor.” The bill also obliges the Delhi government, led by the Aam Aadmi Party, to take LG’s opinion before any executive action.

Delhi’s chief minister, Arvind Kejriwal, called it a “sad day for Indian democracy” and said his government will continue to work. He said work will not stop or slow down.

Opposition leader and congressional leader Mallikarjun Kharge opposed the GNCTD (Amendment) Bill, saying the proposed legislation was unconstitutional and demanded that it be referred to a select committee for scrutiny.

Opposing the bill, AAP MP Sanjay Singh said that the BJP government in the Center introduced the bill as the party had lost the Delhi assembly elections twice. He said that by opposing the bill he was seeking “justice” for the two million people in Delhi.

Later, members of the opposition flocked to the well and began chanting against the government. As protesting members arrived at the well and House bailiffs arrived, Kharge warned that what happened at the Bihar assembly on Tuesday should not be repeated.