"Public will answer BJP in 2024 Lok Sabha polls...": AAP minister Gopal Rai

New Delhi [India]: After Rajya Sabha passed the Delhi Services Bill, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Minister Gopal Rai on Monday said that the public will answer Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 2024 Lok Sabha election by defeating them.

“Today the lies of the BJP have come in front of the people of the country. The public will never forgive BJP for this. They (BJP) have disobeyed Supreme Court to pass the bill. The public will answer BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections by defeating them”, he said.

Rajya Sabha on Monday passed the Bill that empowers Lieutenant Governor of Delhi to control Group A services in Delhi including on matters relating to appointments, transfers and postings. The bill was passed after a division in which 131 MPs voted in favour of the legislation and 102 against it.

The opposition sought division after almost eight-hour debate on the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 which was moved for passing in the House by Home Minister Amit Shah.

Parties in I.N.D.I.A alliance have opposed the bill, which was passed by Lok Sabha last week.

The voting was held through slips as due to an issue with the automatic vote recording machine. Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh announced the result of division. “Subject to correction, it is 131 Ayes and 102 Noes,” he said.

Thirty-four MPs parties took part in the debate of the Bill.

The Bill establishes the National Capital Civil Services authority, which consists of the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary of Delhi, Principal Home Secretary of Delhi. The authority will make recommendations to the Lieutenant Governor (LG) regarding transfers and postings of officials and disciplinary matters.

The Bill empowers the LG to exercise his sole discretion on several matters including those recommended by the National Capital Civil Services Authority, and the summoning, prorogation and dissolution of the Delhi Legislative Assembly.

It authorises department secretaries to bring to the notice of the LG, the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary any matter that may bring Delhi Government into controversy with the Central Government.