In huge setback for AAP, Naveen Patnaik's BJP pledges support to Centre on Delhi services bill

With his support, the bill will comfortably sail through the halfway mark in the Parliament.

According to reports, the BJD will also oppose the no-confidence motion moved by the opposition front-INDIA-against the BJP-led Centre.

The decision of Odisha's ruling party, which has nine MPs in Rajya Sabha, will help the government cross the halfway mark in the upper house, where the BJP-led NDA does not enjoy a full majority on its own.

Earlier, Jagan Mohan Reddy's YSR Congress Party, which has nine members in Rajya Sabha and 22 in Lok Sabha, announced its support to the government on the critical bill.

The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) bill replaces an ordinance for the control of Delhi's bureaucrats, which was issued by the Centre to override a Supreme Court order that said the elected government in Delhi, not the Centre, has control over the transfer and appointments of bureaucrats.

While the  BJP and allies in the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) have 103 members, the support from BJD and YSRCP will take the number to 127.

Around 109 MPs comprising those from the 26-member opposition alliance INDIA, and some Independents such as Kapil Sibal, are expected to vote against the bill.