Delhi's political situation: Policy paralysis to continue

NEW DELHI: The uncertainty over formation of a government in Delhi has led to a policy paralysis for over a year. In October last year, the code of conduct for assembly polls had brought all fresh policy decisions to a standstill. This was followed by the poll code for the Lok Sabha elections early this year.

A year on, the city administration is still struggling to balance routine work with key decisions. If a date for fresh assembly polls is declared soon, Delhi will be under a code of conduct for the third time in a year.

Three assembly constituencies—Tuglaqabad, Mehrauli and Krishna Nagar—too are under the purview of code of conduct as the Election Commission had recently announced date for by-polls for these seats—November 25. Till the notification of the by-polls is not withdrawn, no new projects can take off in these areas.

In the present circumstances, fresh assembly polls are the only option for Delhi. This would mean, a fresh poll code is imminent that will hamper policy decisions, inauguration of new projects or launching of schemes. For instance, no new power tariff structure can be notified in those circumstances. Even the changes proposed in the allotment policy for houses meant for the thousands of economically weaker section can't be implemented.

The Delhi Transport Corporation bus fare revision, any further rationalisation of circle rates and regularization of unauthorized colonies will also get further delayed. The Centre's urban development ministry has been reviewing the regularization guidelines and no changes can be announced while the code is in force.

While the administration under the President's Rule was doing its work, the absence of a government has led to many problems, officials said.

"Work tends to slow down for sure. A political government can drive many decisions and policies. Besides, politicians act like a bridge between the people and the bureaucracy—they can take people's grievances to the officers," a source said.

Release of MLA funds and development works in unauthorized colonies have also been affected due to uncertainty over the formation of a government in the capital, sources added.