Congress Accuses Centre of Manipulating Delhi Government
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Synopsis
Devender Yadav from the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee denounces the Central government's interference in Delhi's governance, claiming it undermines the voters' choice and turns the elected BJP government into a puppet. He calls for a strong opposition to this undemocratic maneuver.
Key Takeaways
- Central government manipulation of Delhi's governance.
- Backseat driving undermines democratic values.
- New financial directives may promote corruption.
- Decentralization needed for smooth governance.
- BJP's unfulfilled promises to the electorate.
New Delhi, March 1 (NationPress) Devender Yadav, president of the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee, criticized the Central government's attempt to manipulate Delhi's governance through its officials, disregarding the voters' decision and effectively turning the elected BJP government into a puppet.
He asserted that the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee will vehemently challenge this undemocratic action by the BJP-led Central Government, which seeks to control the Delhi government through backseat governance.
Yadav pointed out that on February 25, the Finance Department of the Delhi Government issued an order mandating that all departmental expenditures exceeding Rs 1 crore require approval from the Central government, showcasing a clear overreach.
He noted that the office memorandum from August 7, 2019, had indicated that such orders originated from the Lieutenant Governor, but the recent directive has come from a budget division official.
This change signifies the Centre's intent to manage the Delhi government through Prime Minister's Office officials, effectively sidelining the Lieutenant Governor, who holds a Constitutional position.
According to the earlier memorandum, only projects costing more than Rs 50 crore required approval from the Finance Department, while schemes exceeding Rs 100 crore needed EFC approval.
Yadav emphasized that the Assembly elections for the Financial Year 2024-25 have imposed a code of conduct which restricts government spending, making the new order appear as a conspiracy to facilitate corruption and control financial resources arbitrarily.
He also mentioned the BJP's initial promise to transfer Rs 2,500 to women's accounts in their first Cabinet meeting, a commitment that remains unfulfilled by the Delhi government.
Yadav reiterated that the citizens of Delhi deserve an independent government, yet the BJP-led Centre is attempting to operate the Delhi government through PMO officials, diminishing its significance to that of a mere puppet.
Highlighting the importance of decentralizing financial authority, Yadav argued that it is essential for maintaining a smooth, transparent, and accountable governance structure. Financial decentralization will enhance decision-making, alleviate administrative hurdles, encourage transparency and accountability, and safeguard democratic values.
