Legislation on Delhis division of powers will undermine federalism – The Times of India Blog

The NDA governments Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill cleared both houses of Parliament. It sparked a heated debate and was opposed by many political parties, including regional parties such as BJD that have often supported key NDA legislations.

The bill will undermine Delhis AAP government. The essence of the bill is that it shifts the balance of power between the elected government of Delhi and the Lieutenant Governor in favour of the latter. This is at odds with the spirit of the Supreme Court ruling on the balance of power. Therefore, a legal challenge appears inevitable.

Read also: RS approves Delhi govt bill amid opposition walkout

From the standpoint of cooperative federalism, this legislation is harmful. Delhis electorate has given AAP two successive large majorities in the assembly elections and the apex court has stressed on the primacy of the elected representatives in some areas of Delhis functioning. This legislation will undermine cooperation between the Centre and opposition administered states as the debates in the Parliament showed that many of them interpreted the bill as an attempt to undermine state legislatures.

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Legislation on Delhis division of powers will undermine federalism - The Times of India Blog