Delhi CM Kejriwal Thanks Former PM Manmohan Singh for Support on Delhi Services Bill

National

Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi on Wednesday, August 9, expressed his gratitude to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for supporting the rejection and voting against the GNCTD (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

“I write to you expressing gratitude on behalf of the 2 Crore people of Delhi for your party’s support in rejecting and voting against the GNCTD (Amendment) Bill, 2023,” CM Kejriwal penned a letter to Manmohan Singh.

“I would like to place on record that heartfelt appreciation that the people of Delhi have for you for championing the rights on the floor of the Rajya Sabha, despite your deteriorating health. Your presence by our side, despite the constrains imposed by your age and ailing health, conveyed a story of calm, grace, and conviction to preserve India’s democracy and federal structure against all odds,” Kejriwal Stated.

Your presence in the Rajya Sabha strongly conveyed a message to those trying to undermine Indian democracy that their efforts will be strongly opposed by leaders from various parties and generations. Your unwavering dedication to the principles upheld by past parliamentarians is highly commendable, he further added.

He also mentioned that as we enter a new phase in the fight for Delhi citizens’ rights, we eagerly anticipate your ongoing support and direction in countering elements that are eroding the Constitution.
Earlier Delhi CM also wrote a letter to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and other leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Hemant Soren, Nitish Kumar, Sharad Pawar, Mamta Banerjee, Udhhav Thakre, KCR, and MK Stalin, thanking them for their support in rejecting and voting against the GNCTD (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

On August 7, the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, was approved, replacing a previously issued ordinance by the Central government. The bill grants authority to the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi for overseeing Group A services, encompassing appointments, transfers, and postings within the Delhi government. The bill received support from 131 MPs and faced opposition from 102 MPs in a division during its passage in the Upper House on Monday.

Amit Shah, the Home Minister, justified the Bill in the Rajya Sabha, stating that its purpose is to establish efficient and corruption-free governance in the national capital.

In the Rajya Sabha discussion about the bill, former Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, in his first debate, mentioned that the legislature is “Perfectly, legitimately valid” and that if any member disagrees, their conscience should be respected.

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