Rebel AAP leader Kapil Mishra sues Arvind Kejriwal for low attendance in Delhi assembly

Rebel AAP MLA Kapil Mishra’s plea, which was urgently admitted in the high court, claimed that Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal was present only seven times in 2017 although the assembly had 27 sessions.

Rebel Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Kapil Mishra moved the Delhi high court on Monday against chief minister Arvind Kejriwal’s low attendance in Delhi assembly.

File phot of Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. (Sanchit Khanna/HT Photo)

Mishra’s plea, which was urgently admitted in the high court, claimed that Kejriwal, who also holds the water portfolio, was present only seven times in 2017 although the assembly had 27 sessions.

“It is not out of context to state that Delhi faces water crisis ever year,” it said.

The plea sought directions to the LG and the speaker to ensure the presence of Kejriwal and reply to the questions of the people.

Mishra’s petition also alleged that during Question Hour, Kejriwal was not present in the assembly in the last 40 months, which “showed how serious the CM was in discussing matters related to the people of Delhi and their development and performing duties expected of him”.

Spokesperson for the AAP-led Delhi government refused to comment on the matter.

Mishra also sought an annual performance report from the AAP convener.

He said the CM needed to inform the people how well he performed against indicators like attendance in the assembly, the number of questions he replied, and his understanding and appreciation of different policies and laws that he made.

Mishra’s plea also sought to know the amount of time Kejriwal spent in consulting his constituents, how well he oversaw the executive, and also his statement disclosing income and assets.

The matter is likely to be heard on Tuesday.