Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday released the draft Bill on statehood for Delhi on the government's website. While making the announcement, the Delhi chief minister invited opinions from the public on the draft document. Citizens have till June 30 to respond with their suggestions. A final version of the draft will be tabled in the upcoming session of Delhi Assembly, following which it will be sent to the Centre.
For Delhi to be granted statehood, Parliament needs to amend the Government of National Capital Territory Act. This is likely be a bone of contention between the AAP and the Bharatiya Janata Party government at the Centre.
Full statehood for Delhi is a promise all parties that have ruled the state have made at one point or another. Former home affairs minister LK Advani had also tabled the Statehood Bill of Delhi in Parliament.
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