In a scathing attack, the Aam Aadmi Party has accused PM Modi of being petrified of Chief Minister Shri Arvind Kejriwal and intentionally hindering the development of Delhi. The party’s remarks came in response to the ordinance brought forth overnight by the Modi government, in defiance of a Supreme Court order on Services.
The ordinance, according to AAP Senior Leader and MP Shri Sanjay Singh, not only reflects PM Modi’s dictatorial and unconstitutional approach but also highlights the government’s refusal to comply with the Supreme Court’s directive. He expressed his confidence in the Supreme Court’s ability to recognize this blatant contempt and take appropriate action.
Addressing the issue at hand, Shri Sanjay Singh emphasized that the conflict between CM Kejriwal and PM Modi extends beyond their individual personas, instead encompassing the future of the nation, its democracy, and its constitution. He underscored the significance of the matter, calling for attention from all citizens concerned about the country’s welfare. Of particular concern to AAP is the provision within the ordinance that elevates two bureaucrats above the Chief Minister. This move raises serious questions about the purpose of holding elections, he argued. Shri Sanjay Singh questioned the very essence of democracy and the significance of public participation if unelected officials are granted supremacy over elected representatives.
In a press conference on Saturday, Rajya Sabha MP Shri Sanjay Singh urged the country to contemplate the disconcerting mentality of those in power and whether the nation is secure under their governance. He stressed that the issue at hand is no longer confined to Arvind Kejriwal alone but pertains to the integrity of India’s democracy, the sanctity of the Constitution, and the prestige of the Supreme Court. Accusing Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi of being deathly afraid of Shri Arvind Kejriwal, he alleged that the Modi government introduced the ordinance to impede the progress of Delhi and the welfare of its 20 million citizens.
The Union government has, in effect, moved to reverse an important order passed by the Supreme Court last week, which had given executive power in matters of services, including the transfer and posting of officers in the national capital, to the Delhi government. The ordinance issued on Friday (May 19) has now established the National Capital Service Authority to make recommendations to the Delhi Lieutenant Governor regarding matters concerning transfer posting, vigilance, and other incidental matters. The Centre has also moved to the Supreme Court on Saturday, seeking a review of the May 11 Constitution bench judgment.
Shri Sanjay Singh highlighted the fear that the BJP holds towards the overwhelming support and mandate given to Shri Arvind Kejriwal, who has been elected as the Chief Minister of Delhi three times consecutively with an unprecedented majority of over 90% seats. He emphasised that the BJP’s sole objective seems to be to obstruct the functioning of the Kejriwal government, harming the progress and welfare of the 20 million citizens of Delhi.
He said, “BJP’s obstructive approach jeopardises crucial initiatives such as free education for children, the establishment of Mohalla Clinics, providing free pilgrimage and other support for the elderly, free electricity, and doorstep ration delivery. The BJP feels compelled to halt all progress and punish the people of Delhi simply because they committed the ‘crime’ of electing their preferred leader, Shri Arvind Kejriwal, and making him the Chief Minister with over 90% seats.”
Shri Sanjay Singh shed light on the BJP’s deliberate defiance of the Supreme Court’s orders, which unequivocally stated that the elected government of Delhi is responsible for transferring and posting officers given that it is accountable to 20 million Delhi citizens. He explained, “Despite a unanimous decision by a constitution bench of five judges secured by the AAP government after a tough battle of 8 years, the BJP-led central government under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi brazenly introduced an ordinance within a couple of days to bypass the court’s ruling.”
Shri Sanjay Singh vehemently criticised Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for introducing a “Tughlaqi black ordinance” that is not only a direct affront to the Supreme Court’s verdict but also violates the principles enshrined in the Constitution of India. He expressed his faith that this matter will undoubtedly reach the Supreme Court, which will rightfully take notice of the central government’s autocratic ordinance.
The Rajya Sabha MP further highlighted the absurdity of the central government’s decision to introduce an ordinance. Shri Sanjay explained that in the recent ordinance, the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, who is unelected, is being placed above the government chosen by the 20 million people of Delhi. Moreover, the central government asserts that two officers hold a higher position than the Chief Minister.
“This raises questions about the very rationale behind holding elections, establishing a legislative assembly, and the directives unanimously issued by the Supreme Court. Any act or ordinance must fall within the bounds of the Constitution; they cannot override the constitutional principles. The constitution of our country upholds the principles of federalism and grants authority to elected governments. Therefore, it is incomprehensible how an ordinance can be introduced that blatantly violates the constitution of India and exceeds its boundaries,” he said.
Expressing grave apprehension, he highlighted, “This issue extends far beyond Shri Arvind Kejriwal or the Aam Aadmi Party; it is a question of India’s cherished democracy, the world’s largest. It raises doubts about whether the Indian Constitution, envisioned by the great visionary Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, will remain safeguarded. Moreover, it casts doubt on the autonomy, authority, and prestige of the Supreme Court itself.”
Shri Sanjay Singh vehemently criticised the central government’s ordinance, stating, “The overturning of the Supreme Court’s orders is a grave emergency situation. The BJP’s complete disregard for the court’s decisions and their preference for arbitrary ordinances set a perilous precedent and reflect a dictatorial and foolish mindset. This decision exposes their authoritarian tendencies, prioritising ruling with an iron fist over respecting the Supreme Court and upholding the Constitution. It shows PM Modi’s lack of faith and commitment towards democracy and the welfare of citizens.”
Following the Supreme Court’s ruling, the Chief Minister of Delhi had appealed to the Prime Minister, urging him to fulfill the role of a father or guardian and treat all state governments equally. Shri Sanjay noted, “However, I must emphasise that if a father is determined to harm his own children, suppress their democracy, and throttle the constitution, and if that child happens to be an elected government, one can only fathom the catastrophic repercussions for the country.”
Drawing attention to Shri Arvind Kejriwal’s commitment to public service, Shri Sanjay Singh highlighted the transformative work undertaken by the Delhi CM since he took charge. From ensuring quality education for children, setting up Mohalla Clinics for healthcare, facilitating pilgrimage for the elderly, and providing free electricity, to implementing doorstep ration delivery, Shri Arvind Kejriwal has consistently demonstrated his dedication to the people of Delhi.
Shri Sanjay Singh continued, “However, the BJP, led by PM Shri Narendra Modi, is determined to disrupt these critical services and initiatives merely for political gain. The actions of the BJP pose a very serious threat to the progress and prosperity of the nation.”
The Rajya Sabha MP urged the people of India to reflect upon the perilous implications of entrusting the country’s future to leaders who seek to dismantle democratic principles and undermine the welfare of their own citizens. He questioned the morality of a leadership that prioritizes political vendettas and a politics of hatred over the well-being of its people. Reiterating the gravity of the situation, he highlighted that this issue is not confined to Arvind Kejriwal or the Aam Aadmi Party alone; it is a matter that concerns the very essence of Indian democracy and the principles enshrined in the constitution by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.
Furthermore, Shri Sanjay Singh lashed back at the BJP’s hypocritical and selective outrage displayed against a couple of transfers and postings initiated by the Delhi government after the SC verdict. He highlighted how BJP-led governments extend the service of unethical officers, and appoint individuals loyal to their agenda as commissioners, ED directors, and CBI directors even after their retirement. He also explained how the BJP suspends, terminates, and even subjects officers who dare to speak against them to imprisonment.
He added, “It is perplexing that those who engage in such autocratic actions have the audacity to question us. We are merely following the authority granted to us by the Supreme Court, which upholds the constitutional principles of a federal structure, democracy, and elected governance. Yet, the BJP hypocritically berates us, which can only be described as the pinnacle of dictatorship.”
In response to a question from the media, Shri Sanjay Singh reaffirmed the AAP’s unwavering commitment to opposing the BJP’s autocratic actions, from the streets to the parliament. He added that the Chief Minister would decide on the appropriate course of action. He predicted that not only would the Parliament reject this ordinance, but the entire opposition, barring the BJP, would stand united with the Delhi government, Arvind Kejriwal, and the people of Delhi. He expressed his belief in the power of collective action and the democratic institutions of the country. However, he expressed confidence that before the issue reaches Parliament, the Supreme Court itself would give due consideration to this matter and address this assault on democratic values.
