The most awaited GNCTD (Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi) Bill also known as the Delhi Service Bill gets approval from the Upper House of the Parliament After an 8-hour-long discussion. The bill was already passed in the Lok Sabha via Voice Vote on 3 August after that on 7 August Union Home Minister Amit Shah moved the bill in Rajya Sabha. After a long controversial discussion the bill got a clear nod. During the voting, the bill obtained 131 votes in favour compared to 102 in against. Along with NDA, BJD, YSRCP, and TDP also voted in support of the bill. The highlight of the 8-hour-long discussion was the former Prime Minister and Senior Congressmen Dr. Manmohan Singh, who is turning 91 next month, showing up for the Rajya Sabha session in a wheelchair. 

This bill replaced the ordinance on Control of Group A services by Delhi’s LG (Lieutenant-Governor). Earlier this year, the President passed an ordinance on the suggestions of the government. The government needs to adopt a law to replace the ordinance within six weeks of the start of the new session. 

BJP National spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Sudhansu Trivedi initiated the discussion in support of the bill. He responds to the remarks made by Congress leader and senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, saying “Firstly Delhi is not a state it is a Union Territory, how can a UT ruling government be more powerful than the Union government? There is no such example anywhere in the world.” 

Opposition alliance I.N.D.I.A. slams the government saying the unconstitutional bill is a symbol of anarchy and a black day in the history of Indian Democracy. Including this list Arvind Kejriwal CM of Delhi said, “The bill is not against the Delhi government this is against the 3 crore people of Delhi and in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections BJP will not get a single seat from Delhi.”

Around 5 PM Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Rajhav Chadda moved a resolution with the names of 5 MPs without their consent Thambi Durai, Sudhansu Trivedi, Sambit Patra, Phangnon Komyak, and Narhari Amin in the Upper House. All 5 MPs filed a complaint against Raghav Chadda to the chairman of Rajya Sabha.

Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah had instigated a furious attack on the opposition, asserting “the bill neither violates the orders of Supreme Court nor does it violates the constitution. The provisions of the bill were part of the transaction of business of Delhi Government rules 1993, placed by the Congress.” He further added we are forced to place this law because the government of Delhi transfers and appoints senior officials for their interest. He closed his speech by pointing out the alliance made by 26 parties by saying “Khargeji you are the experienced leader how cannot you understand the motives of AAP, as soon as the bill is passed the alliance will also pass.”