Delhi MLAs Rally Behind Kejriwal, Advocate His Continuation as CM Even If Arrested
Amidst mounting scrutiny from central investigative agencies, Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, received an overwhelming show of support from all party MLAs of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday. The MLAs unanimously urged Kejriwal to continue serving as the Chief Minister, even if he faces arrest by any investigative agency.
Kejriwal was summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) last week for questioning in connection with an ongoing money laundering probe related to an alleged excise police scam. However, he decided to skip the summons, asserting that it was politically motivated.
In response to recent actions taken by central probe agencies against party ministers and leaders, Kejriwal called for a meeting with AAP MLAs on Monday. Saurabh Bharadwaj, a Delhi minister, announced after the meeting that all the MLAs had expressed their belief that if Kejriwal were to be arrested, he should still continue as the Chief Minister, as he has been duly mandated by the people of Delhi to govern.
Bharadwaj further contended that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are fearful of Kejriwal, acknowledging that the BJP realizes it cannot oust Kejriwal from power through elections alone and might resort to conspiratorial measures.
Moreover, Bharadwaj disclosed that if necessary, cabinet meetings could be held in jail, with officers attending for discussions. He quipped, The conditions look like we will also be in jail soon. So it might be possible that Atishi will be lodged in jail number 2 and I in jail number 1 and we will hold cabinet meetings inside jail. We will ensure that the work for the people of Delhi is not stopped.
Continuing to rally behind Kejriwal, Delhi Minister Atishi affirmed that the people of Delhi have elected him as the Chief Minister and emphasized the need for him to remain in that position, even if he faces arrest. Atishi added that they would approach the court to seek permission for Kejriwal to carry out official duties from jail if required.
The recent series of central probe agency actions against AAP members includes the Enforcement Directorate raiding the residence of Delhi minister Raaj Kumar Anand as part of a separate money laundering inquiry. Additionally, party MP Sanjay Singh was recently arrested by the ED after a prolonged raid at his residence in connection with the alleged excise policy scam.
As tensions rise and the investigations continue, the support shown by AAP MLAs for Kejriwal’s leadership demonstrates their unwavering faith in his ability to lead, irrespective of the circumstances. The political landscape in Delhi remains uncertain, but the AAP remains determined to fulfill their commitment of serving the people and ensuring that the work for the citizens of Delhi continues unhindered.
