AAP crisis- Kejriwal hosts dinner to unite party MLAs
In an attempt to bring unity amid a severe internal crisis, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal hosted a dinner for party MLAs at his residence on May 14. Though attendees called it a "casual family gathering", the major topic of conversation remained sacked minister Kapil Mishra and the surrounding controversy. However, some, including Kumar Vishwas, didn't attend, according to a tweet by Alka Lamba.
Sacked minister Kapil Mishra's allegations behind deepening crisis
AAP has been under strain since some time, after defeats in elections and subsequent allegations of EVM tampering that its own members objected to. The situation got worse when former minister Kapil Mishra alleged he saw Kejriwal taking a Rs. 2cr bribe, and that Kejriwal was shielding his relative in the water tanker scam. He has also presented "evidence" to the CBI, he said.
Kejriwal goes on damage control mode
Many AAP members have complained the leadership is "inaccessible", so members are forced to "convey their issues through media", said a senior party leader. "So, Kejriwal is doing his best to bring about unity within the party," he added.
Party MLAs iterate support for Kejriwal
"(We) assured Kejriwalji that we are there with him at this time of crisis, when our own party member is shamelessly levelling allegations on the behest of the BJP," Chandni Chowk MLA Alka Lamba said. "We vowed to stand with Kejriwal at a time when the Opposition is trying hard to break AAP's unity," another MLA said. About 50 lawmakers attended the event.
Kumar Vishwas skips dinner hosted by CM
Meanwhile, Kumar Vishwas, who last month slammed Kejriwal for blaming EVM tampering and for taking decisions without proper consultations, skipped the meet. He also had a tiff with MLA Amanatullah Khan, who was suspended in an attempt to appease Vishwas. However, he was soon appointed in six new House committees.
