Kejriwal Meets Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata Seeking Support in Fight Against Centre’s Ordinance

Kolkata: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal embarked on a nationwide tour to rally support against the Centre’s ordinance on control of services in Delhi.

During his visit to Kolkata, Kejriwal met West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, in an effort to garner backing for his cause.

The central ordinance aims to establish a National Capital Civil Service Authority, effectively overturning a recent Supreme Court ruling that granted control of services, excluding police, public order, and land-related matters, to the elected Delhi government.

Accompanied by Punjab CM and AAP leader Bhagwant Mann, Kejriwal is scheduled to arrive in Mumbai later today. Tomorrow, they plan to meet with Uddhav Thackeray, the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, and Sharad Pawar, the NCP chief. AAP leaders Raghav Chadha and Atishi have also joined them in Kolkata to meet with Mamata Banerjee.

Expressing his intentions, Kejriwal stated on Twitter, “Today, I am embarking on a journey across the country to fight for the rights of Delhi’s people. The Supreme Court delivered justice to them, but the Centre snatched away those rights through this ordinance.” He further added, “When this ordinance reaches the Rajya Sabha, we must ensure it is not passed. I will meet leaders from all political parties and seek their support.”

आज से देश भर में निकल रहा हूँ। दिल्ली के लोगों के हक़ के लिए। SC ने बरसों बाद आदेश पारित करके दिल्ली के लोगों के साथ न्याय किया, उन्हें उनके हक़ दिये। केंद्र सरकार ने अध्यादेश लाकर वो सारे हक़ वापिस छीन लिये

जब ये क़ानून राज्य सभा में आएगा तो इसे किसी हालत में पास नहीं होने…

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) May 23, 2023

In addition, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has announced a ‘Maha Rally’ on June 11 at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi to protest against this “black ordinance.” Kejriwal has previously met Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who pledged full support to AAP in their battle against the Centre on this issue.

The central ordinance establishes a National Capital Civil Service Authority, where the chief minister serves as the sole representative of the elected government. This authority will oversee the transfer of IAS and DANICS cadre officers and handle matters related to disciplinary proceedings against them. The ordinance must be ratified by Parliament within six months, requiring the Centre to introduce a bill for its passage in both Houses.