New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday slammed both Centre and Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung for delay in taking decision regarding government formation in Delhi.
“Why was there a five-month delay in breaking the Delhi deadlock?” the apex court asked, adding, “The L-G should have taken the decision at the earliest.”
Delhi has been under President’s Rule after former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal resigned on February 14 over lack of support from the Congress and the BJP on the Jan Lokpal Bill.
The rebuke came as the Centre informed the court that President Pranab Mukherjee had sanctioned inviting the BJP – as the single largest party – to form a “popular government”.
The court said, “Every time just before a hearing, the Centre will come out with some statement, but nothing happens. We have given enough time but nothing came out.”
The Centre reportedly pointed out that President’s Rule for Delhi was valid at least till February.
Meanwhile, AAP chief took it to micro-blogging site Twitter accusing BJP of playing tricks.
Kejriwal further questioned, “How will BJP form government? They don’t have nos. Why don’t they just call elections? If BJP discloses all black money holders’ names, then who will give them money to fight elections in some states and buy MLAs in others?”
The apex court is also reported to have gone ahead with hearing the merits of a petition filed by the Aam Aadmi Party seeking dissolution of the Delhi Assembly and announcement of fresh elections.
The BJP had won 31 seats in the Delhi election but three of its MLAs, including its chief ministerial candidate Harsh Vardhan, contested and won the national election in May. The party will strive to retain those seats in by-polls to be held on November 25. If it wins all three, its tally will rise to 32, including ally Akali Dal, which is closer to the majority mark in the 70-member Delhi assembly.
The AAP has 27 seats while the Congress has 8 in the 70-member Assembly.
