20 AAP MLAs face chop
Poll panel to Prez: Disqualify MLAs for holding office of profit
New Delhi, Jan. 19: In a blow to Delhi’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party, the Election Commission on Friday asked the President to disqualify 20 of its MLAs for holding offices of profit, setting the stage for their ouster from the Assembly.
The development does not threaten the AAP government as it has 66 MLAs in the 70-member Assembly. Still, the BJP and Congress demanded that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal resign on moral grounds.
Reacting furiously to the EC order, AAP claimed that the Chief Election Commissioner A.K. Joti was trying to destabilise its government at the behest of the Prime Minister.
In its opinion sent to President Ram Nath Kovind, the Election Commission said the MLAs, by occupying the post of parliamentary secretaries between March 13, 2015 and September 8, 2016, held office of profit, and were liable to be disqualified as legislators, highlyplaced sources said.
Parliamentary secretaries assist ministers with their work. The AAP insisted that despite holding the office these MLAs did not take any salaries or perks.
When you take the path of honesty, you are bound to face hurdles. However, all the forces of universe come together to help you. God helps you. History is witness that in the end, truth prevails. — ARVIND KEJRIWAL, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has no moral right to be in power and he should resign. Half of his cabinet ministers have been removed on corruption charges. AJAY MAKEN Delhi Congress chief Kejriwal should take responsibility for moral defeat and resign. These MLAs not only looted and cheated the people but also denied development. MANOJ TIWARI Delhi BJP chief
New Delhi, Jan. 19: In a blow to Delhi’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party, the Election Commission on Friday asked the President to disqualify 20 of its MLAs for holding offices of profit, setting the stage for their ouster from the Assembly.
The President is bound by the recommendation of the Commission. Under the rules, petitions to the President seeking disqualification of lawmakers are referred to the EC. The poll panel takes a decision and sends its recommendation to Rashtrapati Bhavan which is accepted.
In the present case, the petition was made to disqualify 21 MLAs, but one resigned a few months back. The AAP launched an unrestrained attack on chief election commissioner A.K. Joti saying he was “repaying the debt” to Prime Minister Narendra Modi before his retirement on January 22. — PTI