New Delhi, May 25, 2023 – Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi and leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has called on opposition parties to unite against the contentious Services Control Ordinance proposed by the central government.
Addressing a press conference at the Delhi Secretariat, Kejriwal expressed his concern over the central government’s move to introduce the ordinance, which aims to grant more authority to the Lieutenant Governor (LG) in matters related to public services in the national capital.
“The time has come for all opposition parties to set aside their differences and join hands to protect the interests of the people of Delhi,” Kejriwal said. “If we can forge a united front against the Services Control Ordinance, we have a real chance of defeating it in the Rajya Sabha.”
Kejriwal urged leaders from various political parties to prioritize the autonomy and rights of state governments and reject any attempt to curtail their powers. He emphasized that this fight was not limited to the AAP alone but extended to all regional parties who value federalism and the spirit of cooperative federalism.
“Unity is our greatest strength,” Kejriwal said. “Together, we can present a formidable opposition to the central government’s overreach. We must stand united to protect the principles of federalism and ensure that the people’s mandate is respected.”
The Delhi Chief Minister’s call for opposition unity comes at a time when the political climate in the country is marked by increased polarization. However, Kejriwal’s proposition has resonated with some leaders who view the proposed ordinance as an infringement on the rights of state governments and a violation of the federal structure.
As the battle over the Services Control Ordinance intensifies, all eyes are now on the Rajya Sabha, where the ordinance will be tabled for discussion. The opposition’s ability to rally together and garner enough support in the upper house will be crucial in determining the fate of the proposed legislation.
While the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) enjoys a majority in the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha presents an opportunity for the opposition to exercise its influence and safeguard the interests of Delhi and other states grappling with similar issues.
As the political landscape gears up for a fierce debate on the Services Control Ordinance, the onus now lies on the opposition parties to transcend their differences and unite to protect the principles of federalism and democratic governance.