Conflicts will only grow if Delhi as a whole is granted sovereignty. Things might run more smoothly if the rest of Delhi were given statehood while New Delhi remained under the control of the federal government.
Should Delhi be recognised as a state?
The current ruling party in Delhi, the AAP (Aam Aadmi Party), wants Delhi to become a state. Delhi was a union territory up until 1991. Article 239AA, which established Delhi as the National Capital Territory of Delhi and permitted specific provisions for Delhi, was added to the Indian Constitution as part of the 69th Amendment in 1991. According to this article, Delhi has all the authority of a state, except police, public order, and police, which are under the control of the federal government.
Hence Delhi is neither a state in its own right nor a province of the Union. Chief Minister and Lieutenant Governor are both present (LG). In certain ways, Delhi is under the control of both the state and the federal governments. Conflicts between state and federal governments are being brought on by this.
When Delhi’s state government lost the ability to hire its cadre of officers in 2015, tensions between the state and federal governments grew seriously.
Why should it be recognised as a state?
India is a democratic nation that values self-government. However, they do not have total control over the state list in the case of Delhi. This is a barrier to self-government for state governments.
Delhi’s LG controls the city’s administration. There have been instances of power abuse by LG. Conflicts between the state government and LG prevented the approval of new programmes and projects. Delhi’s development is directly impacted by this.
Also, in 1991, the circumstances were very different. At that time, Delhi had a lesser population. Today, approximately two crore people call Delhi their home. Power distinction should be adjusted following the needs.
Why is it unnecessary?
India’s capital is New Delhi. The President, Prime Minister, and other high-ranking officials all reside in Delhi, and numerous dignitaries frequently travel there. As a result, the state government cannot be relied upon to maintain the location’s security.
Moreover, in the case of Delhi, it will be extremely impossible to create any institutions or offices in Delhi for the benefit of the entire country if the property is in the hands of the state government.
