From the need for greater powers for the State government to the practical implications of amending the Capital’s current status, the question of full statehood for Delhi would be up for discussion during the upcoming Delhi Assembly session.
The three-day session from June 6 was announced by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Tuesday, with the agenda of discussing the demand for full statehood.
Two sources in the AAP said a resolution on the demand for full statehood was likely to be passed after the discussion.
Focus on practicalities
“Delhi Assembly’s 3-days special session of on 6, 7 & 8 June to discuss and decide on the ‘demand of full statehood’ for Delhi. People of Delhi cannot be denied their rights. Looking forward to meaningful debates [sic],” Mr. Sisodia had tweeted.
While the issue of statehood has been promised by political parties, including the BJP in the past election manifestos, sources in the AAP government said the discussion in the Assembly this time would focus on the practicalities of the matter.
For instance, an AAP government source said, issues like the fact the State government in Delhi does not control the transfer and posting of officers would be discussed.
Another issue, the source said, that would be raised in the session would be the delineation of the New Delhi Municipal Council area from the rest of Delhi, which the State government would want under its control. The functioning of Lutyens’ Delhi, including policing in the area, could remain with the Centre, the source said.
“The issue of full statehood, the need for it and a look at how other countries that have state capitals in their capitals would be discussed. We will also highlight the promises made by political parties in the past,” said AAP spokesperson and Greater Kailash MLA Saurabh Bharadwaj.
‘Political colour’
Speaking to The Hindu , the Leader of the Opposition Vijender Gupta said, “The government just wants to give political colour to the issue...We are ready to debate the need for statehood for Delhi wholeheartedly, but what about the government’s performance in areas that are currently under them?” He said Delhiites wanted the elected government to deliver on promises rather than the “ploy to divert attention”.
