Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal joined forces with Shiv Sena (UBT) head Uddhav Thackeray in Mumbai on Wednesday to rally against the central government’s ordinance on control of services in Delhi. Kejriwal, accompanied by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, AAP Rajya Sabha members Sanjay Singh and Raghav Chadha, and Delhi Minister Atishi, sought Thackeray’s support in their fight against the controversial ordinance.
During their meeting, Kejriwal accused the Narendra Modi-led government of disregarding the Supreme Court and using central agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to topple state governments. Thackeray, slamming the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), expressed his alliance with Kejriwal in their united stand against anti-democratic forces.
Kejriwal emphasised that the ordinance reflected the Modi government’s lack of faith in the Supreme Court, stating that it questioned how the highest court could deliver judgments against the ruling party. He believed that defeating the ordinance in the Rajya Sabha would be a critical blow to the Modi government’s chances of re-election in 2024.
Kejriwal’s visit to Thackeray’s residence marked his second trip this year to seek support. The AAP leader highlighted the misuse of central agencies by the Centre, citing the downfall of the Thackeray government in Maharashtra last year. Thackeray emphasised the importance of the Supreme Court’s order for the preservation of democracy and expressed his commitment to saving the country and its Constitution.
Kejriwal argued that the ordinance stripped the elected government of its powers, undermining the principles of democracy and accountability. He further accused the BJP of disregarding both democracy and the Supreme Court, citing their failed attempt at “Operation Lotus” in Delhi. Kejriwal claimed that arrogance and selfishness had taken over the ruling party, making them unfit to govern the country. Joining the cause, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed concern over the sidelining of elected officials and the increasing influence of selected individuals running the government. He criticised the role of governors and Raj Bhavans, accusing them of becoming headquarters for the BJP.
In their efforts to gain support against the Centre’s ordinance, Kejriwal and Mann also met West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata. The AAP leaders’ nationwide tour aimed to gather backing for their fight against the ordinance, which was promulgated by the Centre to establish an authority for the transfer and posting of Group-A officers in Delhi. The AAP government condemned the move as a deception in light of the Supreme Court’s recent verdict granting control of services to the elected government. Prior to the apex court’s decision on May 11, the lieutenant governor held executive control over the transfer and postings of all officers in the Delhi government. The new ordinance seeks to create a National Capital Civil Service Authority to oversee the transfer and disciplinary proceedings of Group-A officers from the DANICS cadre, excluding police, public order, and land-related matters.
The collaboration between Kejriwal, Thackeray, and other regional leaders signifies a joint effort to protect democracy, the Constitution, and federalism. Their united front against the central government’s ordinance aims to safeguard the autonomy and authority of elected governments in India.
