Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is set to meet West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday in a bid to secure her support against the ordinance introduced by the Centre. The ordinance grants the power of transfer posting to the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. Kejriwal shared this information after a meeting with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who expressed his solidarity with the people of Delhi. The recently issued ordinance establishes a National Capital Civil Service Authority, which will have the authority to recommend transfers and postings of Group A officers and officers from various services serving in Delhi.
Following his meeting with Nitish Kumar, Kejriwal stated that he would also hold discussions with Mamata Banerjee and meet leaders of political parties across the country. He expressed his intention to request support from all parties to defeat the ordinance. The ordinance was enacted in response to a ruling by a five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court on May 11, which affirmed that the Delhi government holds legislative and executive powers over services in the national capital.
In a press conference, Kejriwal strongly criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Centre, labeling the ordinance as unconstitutional and anti-democratic. He announced his government’s plan to approach the Supreme Court on the matter once it reconvenes after the summer break.
Additionally, Kejriwal is scheduled to meet Uddhav Thackeray on May 24 and Sharad Pawar, the chief of the Nationalist Congress Party, on May 25, seeking their support in opposing the ordinance.