Amid opposition walkout, RS clears Centre’s Delhi Bill

• On late Wednesday night, the Rajya Sabha passed the Centre’s controversial Delhi Bill, amid walkout by the opposition.

• The bill comes as a major setback for the elected Delhi government since it clearly states that the term ‘government’ will refer to the Lieutenant Governor and the elected government will have to refer decisions to him/her before taking any executive action.

• The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill aims at strengthening the powers of the Lieutenant Governor, the Centre’s representative, in comparison to the elected government.

• The Bill was passed after continuous choas in the Upper house for two days, where many opposition MPs alleged that this bill would threaten democracy and asserted that it should be referred to a select committee.

• AAP, ruling party in UT of Delhi stated that such a bill would require a constitutional amendment but the BJP doesn’t have a majority in Rajya Sabha. This wouldn’t have helped it in getting the bill passed, therefore they went for a voice vote.