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Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has sought the support of chief ministers of non-Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled states, in his fight against the Centre for allegedly interfering in state’s affairs, posing a threat to federalism. The chief ministers of West Bengal, Bihar and UP have said to have offered support.
Besides, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government on Thursday moved the high court against the Union home ministry gazette notification, empowering the Lieutenant Governor with sole jurisdiction on appointments and transfers of Central service officers in the Delhi government. The notification gave “discretionary powers” to the L-G to seek the opinion of the CM.
The Delhi government, in its petition, said in a democratic setup, there cannot be two reporting authorities, the L-G and CM. The vacation bench of the Delhi high court fixed the matter for hearing on Friday.
This petition was filed after the Centre challenged in the Supreme Court the high court verdict which termed the Union home ministry's notification barring the city government's anti-corruption branch (ACB) from acting against Central officers in criminal offences a “suspect”.
AAP has four members in the Lok Sabha. A source told Business Standard that Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee shares a good rapport with Kejriwal. On May 25, Banerjee tweeted: “Too much interference in the federal structure is unacceptable. The state government is an elected body. The central govt. is also an elected body. Every elected body has its own jurisdiction. One must respect the other.” Banerjee was one of the first leaders to congratulate Kejriwal on his historic Assembly victory in February.
As for Nitish Kumar, the Bihar chief minister has often expressed admiration for Kejriwal. “Nitish Kumar has always extended full support to Delhi’s demand for statehood. After all, Delhi is not a Union Territory like Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It has an overwhelmingly elected government,” said a senior JD(U) leader.
Kejriwal is said to be also reaching out to other leading regional party chiefs. He had met UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav earlier this month officially, to resolve a land dispute between the two states. Sources say the Delhi CM is seeking cooperation from the neighbouring state on several issues.
