Nehru, Patel, Ambedkar Opposed Delhi Getting Status Of Full State: Shah Attacks AAP

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday attacked the Opposition parties, asking them not to oppose the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill just because they have an alliance with the AAP.

"I appeal to parties to not support all the corruption taking place in Delhi just because you are in an alliance. Because despite the alliance, PM Modi will win the election with a full majority," Shah said. The AAP has recently joined the Opposition bloc INDIA as the parties prepare to take on the Narendra Modi-led BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Shah accused the AAP for opposing the bill to "hide their corruption". "In the year 2015, a party came to power in Delhi whose only motive was to fight, not serve...The problem is not getting right to do transfer postings, but getting control of the vigilance department to hide their corruption like building their bungalows," the minister said.

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, Rajaji, Rajendra Prasad and Dr Ambedkar were opposed to Delhi being given the status of a full state, he said.

The legislation, which has caused a conflict between the Delhi government and the Centre, grants the Delhi Lt Governor the ultimate authority in deciding recommendations related to the transfers and postings of Delhi government officials. The Cabinet approved this legislation on July 25.

The legislation reverses the effect of the Supreme Court verdict in May that gave the Delhi government power over administrative services.

The opposition has been protesting against the ordinance since the beginning of the Monsoon session of Parliament.

The Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government has challenged the ordinance in the Supreme Court.