BJP trying to bring Delhi under president's rule: AAP MLAs
The Aam Aadmi Party MLAs in the Delhi Assembly voiced their concerns over the alleged efforts by the Bharatiya Janata Party to establish the President's rule in the national capital. Kasturba Nagar MLA, Madan Lal, on Monday claimed the BJP was trying to force Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to resign after his arrest. To recall, Kejriwal is currently in judicial remand in Tihar Jail until April 15. Despite his arrest, the AAP supremo continues to serve as the CM.
Why does this story matter?
On March 21, the Enforcement Directorate arrested Kejriwal in the money laundering case linked to the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy. The AAP and the partners of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, including the Congress, have raised questions on the timing of Kejriwal's arrest. They have accused the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Centre of attempting to cripple the opposition ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. The BJP, meanwhile, has dismissed the accusations and demanded Kejriwal's resignation.
'Emergency-like situation' in Delhi, claims AAP
During the discussion, Lal also claimed that an "emergency-like situation" has emerged in Delhi. He pointed out that the Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has stated he won't permit Kejriwal to govern from jail. AAP MLAs highlighted there are no legal restrictions preventing the Delhi chief minister from performing his duties while under arrest.
AAP dismisses rumors of constitutional crisis
Lal suggested that rumors about President's rule in Delhi are being circulated as a scare tactic against the AAP. BS Joon, another AAP MLA, highlighted that the Delhi High Court has already dismissed Public Interest Litigations (PILs) seeking Kejriwal's removal from his position. Akhilesh Pati Tripathi, an AAP MLA from Model Town, supported the views of his colleagues, stating that despite Kejriwal's arrest in what he considers a "fake" case, the AAP will not yield to the BJP's pressure.
Allegations against Kejriwal in excise policy scam
The ED has labeled Kejriwal a "mastermind behind the liquor policy scam" and a "principal conspirator" in the excise policy case. It alleged that Kejriwal, along with other AAP leaders and ministers, played a direct role in formulating this policy favoring a group known as "South Group." The agency further alleges that AAP was the primary beneficiary of the illicit proceeds generated from the purported Delhi liquor scam.
