SC Order on L-G’s Control: AAP Cries Foul, BJP Hails Verdict

CM Kejriwal said that the SC’s order on the power tussle between the AAP and the LG was against the people of Delhi.

Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia on Supreme Court order

(Photo: PTI)

Video Editor: Sandeep Suman

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Thursday, 14 February, that the Supreme Court's order on the power tussle between the AAP government and the lieutenant governor was against the people of Delhi.

He said that the BJP exercises more power in the national capital than the ruling Aam Aadmi Party, despite winning only three seats in the Assembly.

“The SC judgement says that the party that got 67 out of 70 seats has no right to transfer its officers, rather the party that got 3 out of 70 seats has the right to decide transfer posting in Delhi. If all the powers are given to the Opposition party then the Opposition party will appoint officers who will not let the government function. We have been suffering this for four years now.”

Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister, Delhi

In its verdict on Thursday, a two-judge bench comprising Justices AK Sikri and Ashok Bhushan agreed that the Anti-Corruption Bureau and setting up of an inquiry commission fall under the L-G’s control, while the Delhi government has jurisdiction over electricity boards, land revenue matters and appointment of public prosecutors.

The top court, however, was split over who controls ‘services’, and has referred the matter to a larger bench.

Hailing the BJP verdict party leader Manoj Tiwari said that Kejriwal was voted to work for the rights of poor not for dealing in corruption.

“Public voted you as the chief minister to work for the rights of poor, for CCTV, Wi-Fi, hospitals, schools, for reservation for poor, for fearless living, for converting unauthorised colonies into authorised ones, not for dealing in corruption. In such a situation, the court has slapped him because of which he is groaning. He will be fine after a while. Whether 67 seats or all 70 seats he can’t bring changes to Baba Ambedkar’s Constitution to suit his corruption.”

Manoj Tiwari, Leader, BJP