Will ensure smooth coordination, says BJP

New Delhi: Welcoming the introduction of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021, in Parliament, Leader of the Opposition in Delhi assembly Ramvir Singh Bidhuri on Monday said that it was a move in the right direction.

In a statement, Bidhuri said the amended legislation would lead to better governance in Delhi and clearly define the constitutional roles of the state government and the lieutenant governor in important matters pertaining to administration.

“The Bill introduced in Parliament will go a long way to ensure that there is smooth and effective coordination between the elected government and the lieutenant governor, which in turn will bring efficiency in the administration and ultimately benefit the common man. It will clear the confusion in governance and in future fast track the process of development and decision making,’’ said Bidhuri, who is the MLA from Badarpur.

Bidhuri said the proposed amendments clearly point out that the elected government needs to send legislative proposals to the LG in advance for his opinion and avoid any delays. “I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah for taking such an important step in ironing out the issues to make the Delhi administration effective,” he added.

Delhi BJP chief Adesh Gupta said the amendments would finally settle and clear the administrative works and powers of the central and Delhi governments. “The need to bring this Bill arose because between 2015 and 2019 the Arvind Kejriwal government constantly tried to encroach upon the administrative work areas and powers of the LG. The February 2019 directive of Supreme Court finally left no option for the Centre but to bring the present amendments,” he added in a statement.

Harish Khurana, Delhi BJP spokesperson, said Kejriwal should show maturity and work in coordination with the lieutenant governor for smooth governance.