I Am On A Nation-Wide Tour Declares Kejriwal To Oppose Centre’s Ordinance

Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal announced that he will be travelling across the country to fight for the rights of the people of Delhi, seeking support against the ordinance which was brought in by the Union Government to scuttle the powers of the Delhi government.

Kejriwal made an appeal on Twitter and wrote, " after years, the Supreme Court gave a verdict in favour of the people of Delhi. But it was overturned by the Centre through the ordinance. When this law comes in the Rajya Sabha, it should not be allowed to pass under any circumstances. I will meet the presidents of all political parties and seek their support."

"This fight is not only for the people of Delhi. This fight is a fight to save Indian democracy, a fight to save the constitution given by Baba Sahib, a fight to save the judiciary. This fight is a fight to save the country. I expect everyone's support in this," he also said.

Kejriwal's first destination would be West Bengal, where he and Punjab Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann are scheduled to meet with West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee.

On Tuesday evening, Kejriwal and Mann will leave Kolkata and fly to Mumbai where they will meet with Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar on Wednesday.

On Sunday, Kejriwal met with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and said that the Ordinance can be rejected in the Upper House if all Opposition parties come together.

The Opposition is putting up a united front on the Ordinance. K C Venugopal of the Congress said in a tweet, the Congress Party has not taken any decision on the issue of the Ordinance brought against the SC judgment on the powers of the Government of NCT of Delhi with respect to appointment of officers. It will consult its state units & other like-minded parties on the same. The Party believes in the Rule of Law and at the same time does not condone unnecessary confrontation, political witch-hunt and campaigns based on lies against political opponents by any political party."

What is the controversy about?

On May 11, the Supreme Court held that the elected government in the National Capital Territory will have administrative powers except for law and order and land. It however ruled that the Delhi government will have the powers to transfer IAS officers working in Delhi.

On May 19, the Union Government bought an ordinance giving special powers to the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. It also created a separate service for the Delhi officers.

The AAP has said that the ordinance is unconstitutional and is in contempt of the Supreme Court. The BJP has however maintained that the Ordinance is important to maintain the dignity of Delhi.