Kejriwal Writes To Rahul Gandhi, Thanks Him For Support On Delhi Services Bill

Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal has written to Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge and MP Rahul Gandhi expressing his gratitude on behalf of the 2 crore people of Delhi for their party's support in rejecting and voting against the the Delhi Services Bill, officially known as the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

The Delhi Services Bill, which was passed by the Rajya Sabha on Monday with total 131 votes votes in favour and 102 against in Rajya Sabha. The Bill has been met with criticism from the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The AAP has expressed concern that the bill could undermine the elected government's authority and facilitate indirect central rule in the national capital.

Presented in the Lok Sabha on August 3, 2023, the bill was introduced by the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah. Subsequently, it was approved by the Lok Sabha on August 6, 2023, followed by the Rajya Sabha on August 7, 2023. Referred to as the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, or commonly known as the Delhi Services Bill, it received the nod from the Indian Parliament on August 7, 2023. The bill grants the central government authority over the appointment, transfer, and placement of all bureaucrats within the Delhi government.

Kejriwal had accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of trying to "rule Delhi from the back door" through the bill. He has also said that the bill is unconstitutional and that the AAP will challenge it in court.