AAP burns effigies of Centre’s ordinance in Delhi

The Aam Aadmi Party on Wednesday held protests across Delhi and burnt the ‘effigies’ of the Central government’s ordinance on services in Delhi.

Aam Aadmi Party MLAs protested and termed the ordinance as ‘kaala adhyaadesh’ (black ordinance), and demanded its immediate withdrawal.

“On Wednesday, at 6 pm, Aam Aadmi Party’s MLAs and workers have taken to the streets in a protest against the ordinance by the central government. Aam Aadmi Party demanding its immediate withdrawal. Party workers marched in protest, expressing their dissent against the ordinance and symbolically burning effigies representing it,” a statement released by AAP read.

The party confirmed that similar protests will be carried out in the national capital from July 6 to July 13.

“In continuation of these efforts, AAP has announced that, from July 6 to 13, copies of the ordinance will be symbolically burned at every locality, street, and intersection of Delhi,” the statement read.

Centre had passed ordinance to give Governor more power

The protests were against an ordinance passed by the Central government on May 19, which introduced amendments to the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991. The ordinance designates the Lieutenant Governor (LG) as the administrator of Delhi, who will have the final say on the postings and transfers of all bureaucrats serving the Delhi government.

Several legislators from AAP attacked the BJP government for passing the ordinance. Kuldeep Kumar, AAP MLA from Kondi assembly, said that the ordinance has caused widespread anger among the population of Delhi.

“Central government should leave its dictatorial attitude and allow the elected government to carry out its work,” Jarnail Singh, AAP MLA from Tilak Nagar tweeted.

BJP slammed the protests, terming them the ‘anarchic face’ of the Aam Aadmi Party.

“The anarchic face of AAP came to the fore once again today when their MLAs burnt effigies of the ordinance… AAP had announced last week that it would burn copies of the ordinance in its office, but shortly afterwards cancelled the programme, saying that the Delhi government has filed a petition in the Supreme Court on this issue… It is beyond understanding why the AAP has taken a U-turn today after reposing faith in the Supreme Court to postpone the programme,” Virendra Sachdeva, Delhi BJP President, said.