Lok Sabha Passes Delhi Services Bill, Opposition Walks Out

The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 in spite of a walkout by opposition members.

The Bill that was introduced on Tuesday in the Lok Sabha by Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai seeks to replace a May 19 Ordinance brought earlier by the Centre with regard to control of Services in the national capital.

Earlier in the day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had taken up the matter in the Lok Sabha for discussion. Initiating the debate, Amit Shah took a dig at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) by saying that the party was opposing the Delhi Services Bill as it wanted to hide its corruption and urged the other Opposition parties to think of people's welfare.

As the Opposition questioned the power of Parliament to make laws for the Delhi government, Amit Shah clarified that the Constitution, under Article 239AA, granted such powers.