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Scams, feuds, controversies: The many troubles of Arvind Kejriwal’s AAP govt
Leaders of the party that has often alleged witch-hunt by the Central government are facing multiple cases from various agencies. The party’s troubles are not just external but it also faces threat of imploding from within. The biggest threat for the party is, however, the impending verdict in the office-of-profit case that can substantially reduce its tally in the assembly
Sacked Delhi water minister Kapil Mishra’s recent complaint of corruption against chief minister Arvind Kejriwal may be the least of Kejriwal’s worries.
Kejriwal and his colleagues are facing multiple probes from the Delhi Police, CBI, Income Tax, Punjab Police and the Election Commission. The Delhi government’s own anti-corruption branch is investigating graft charges against them.
The AAP has often accused the Centre of launching a witch-hunt against them; refusing to let their government work. Delhi Police have arrested at least 14 AAP MLAs on allegations such as rape, forgery, molestation and abetment to suicide. Three of its MLAs have been acquitted, and investigation is pending in other cases.
It isn’t just police probe. Kejriwal is facing trial in at least four defamation cases, including a criminal defamation case filed by finance minister Arun Jaitley. If convicted, the CM could be sent to prison, for the offence.
The AAP, which came to power in 2015 winning 67 out of 70 seats, lost the civic elections in April, prompting party’s Delhi convener Dilip Pandey to resign. Within days of the loss, senior party leader Kumar Vishwas while contradicting the party’s claim of EVM tampering behind the loss, blamed the party leadership. “We can deal with false Delhi Police cases but the problem is internal politics. Some leaders are acting against the party’s philosophy,” said an AAP leader on condition of anonymity.
Sanjay Kumar from the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) told HT, “If it was only police probe then people would think that the centre is after them but when there is an internal fight, people will realise something is wrong in the party.”
Two party MLAs — Amanatullah Khan and Kapil Mishra — were suspended last week for rebelling against the party. A week before this, Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia had to pacify senior leader Kumar Vishwas, who was reportedly upset with party leadership.
Also, the Election Commission will soon pass its verdict in the office-of-profit case. The hearing ended on March 27. An adverse verdict could substantially reduce the strength of the Kejriwal government, leaving it vulnerable to defection and staring at another state poll.
