Guvs aiding BJP in usurping power by delaying nod to bills: Kejriwal
TCN Service/New Delhi
Calling for a fixed limit to nod by Governor or Lt Guv on state government’s bills, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday accused administrative heads of non-BJP states of aiding the ruling party in usurping power by such delay tactics.
In a letter to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Thiru MK Stalin who passed a bill in the state assembly to seek time limit for nod by the Guv or Lt Guv, Kejriwal, the chief of AAP (now a National party), congratulated his counterpart for such bold move.
“In the coming session, the Delhi Assembly will also pass a resolution and demand for a fixed time limit for nod to bills by the Guv or Lt Guv.
The Guv/Lt Guv of non-BJP ruled states are flouting the federal structure and the Constitution by deliberately keeping bills pending,” the Delhi CM said.
He termed it as an attempt by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government at Center and its representatives to usurp the powers of non-BJP ruled state governments.
“The time has come to safeguard the constitutional rights of state governments and ensure the smooth functioning of democracy,” he added.
In the letter, Kejriwal lamented at the critical state of democratic federal structure in India, and commended the TN assembly for taking a firm stand against such tactics.
He urged opposition parties to pass such resolutions and take up the issue with the Union Government and the President of India.
“There should be a time limit for the Governors to approve the Bills passed by respective Legislature.
We should collectively resist any action to decimate or obliterate State/NCT Governments,” he said.
Kejriwal’s letter came days after Delhi government announced withdrawal of electricity subsidy to its consumers.
The government has cited delay in nod for a bill to continue the subsidy is pending with the Delhi Guv.
