Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced his plans to hold meetings with several prominent opposition leaders in the coming days, seeking their support against the Centre’s ordinance regarding the control of “services” in Delhi. The scheduled meetings include a discussion with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on May 23 at 3 pm in Kolkata.
The announcement came after Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav, visited Kejriwal at his residence in the National Capital.
Arvind Kejriwal further revealed that he will also meet Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) President Sharad Pawar and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray in Mumbai. His meeting with Thackeray is set for May 24, followed by a meeting with Pawar on May 25.
Addressing the media after his meeting with the Bihar Chief Minister, Kejriwal emphasized the need for opposition parties to unite and stand against the Centre’s unjust ordinance. He expressed his intention to rally opposition support in the Rajya Sabha to defeat the government and send a strong message to the nation ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
The recently introduced ordinance establishes the National Capital Civil Service Authority, with the Delhi Chief Minister as its Chairperson. While the Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary, Home, will be members, the final decision-making authority lies with the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Delhi.
The Supreme Court, in a recent ruling, upheld the idea that the elected Delhi government should have control over its officers, with the LG adhering to the government’s advice in matters except public order, police, and land. The Centre’s ordinance followed shortly after this verdict.
Kejriwal intends to engage with other senior opposition leaders, including Mamata Banerjee, in the days to come, urging them to oppose the Bill if presented in the Rajya Sabh
