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What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) effort to seek support from other parties to oppose the services ordinance got a major boost when the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) announced its support.
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, who is also AAP’s national convenor, met NCP boss Sharad Pawar in Mumbai for this effect. Following the meeting, the veteran leader announced that his party would oppose the bill in parliament.
A day before, AAP got the support of the Shiv Sena (UBT) too, after CM Kejriwal met with Udhav Thackeray and Sanjay Raut in Mumbai.
As of now, Janata Dal United (JDU), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Left parties, have extended their support, signalling a growing opposition against the central government’s move.
After meeting with NCP chief Pawar in Mumbai, CM Kejriwal emphasised the importance of collective opposition, stating that it must stand united in the Rajya Sabha to oppose this unconstitutional ordinance.
He further emphasised, “A victory in defeating the bill in the Rajya Sabha would send a powerful message to the nation, highlighting the waning popularity of the PM Modi government leading up to the 2024 elections.”
The CM went on to stress that the issue transcends mere political divisions, stating that this is not solely a matter of government versus opposition. “It is a movement that unites all those who genuinely care for the well-being of our country,” he said.
Pawar also reiterated his commitment to the cause and stated, “NCP will provide unwavering support to CM Arvind Kejriwal and AAP. The NCP will also engage with other non-BJP parties to seek their support.”
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, who was accompanying CM Kejriwal, echoed the concerns about the state of democracy in India. “India is the largest democratic country in the world, but our democracy is being killed in broad daylight,” he said.
“The immense support from prominent leaders and politicians against the Centre’s unconstitutional ordinance is a clear indication of the growing discontent within the political landscape,” he added.
Pawar is the fifth senior leader to support the campaign of the Delhi CM. Earlier, CM Kejriwal met Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and Bihar Dy CM Tejashwi Yadav in New Delhi, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata and former Maharashtra CM and Shiv Sena President Shri Uddhav Thackeray in Mumbai.
The AAP delegation that met Pawar on Thursday, included Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, Rajya Sabha MPs Sanjay Singh and Raghav Chadha and Delhi Education Minister Atishi. Senior leaders of the NCP, including Praful Patel and Supriya Sule, were also present at the meeting.
CM Kejriwal said that this ordinance will now be required to be presented in Parliament in the form of a Bill. He said that his government aims to meet leaders from all the non-BJP parties and garner their support to defeat this anti-democratic ordinance in the Rajya Sabha.
“Pawar has assured us that when this Bill is presented in the Rajya Sabha, his party will firmly oppose it. We are all aware that no one political party has a majority in the Rajya Sabha and therefore if the non-BJP parties come together, then this Bill can be defeated,” he said.
Pawar assured his support for the campaign led by Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and said that this is not a crisis that is limited to Delhi alone. He added that it is the need of the hour for all the non-BJP parties to come together.
“There is a crisis in the country and it’s not an issue limited to Delhi. The NCP and the people of Maharashtra will support Kejriwal. We will also talk to other leaders to support Kejriwal. We must focus on bringing all non-BJP parties together,” he said.
