AAP’S ASHISH KHETAN RESIGNS, DAYS AFTER ASHUTOSH QUIT
NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Ashish Khetan’s posts on social media on Wednesday uncorked another crisis for Arvind Kejriwal’s party within a week of Ashutosh’s exit. In the posts, Ashish Khetan said he is “not involved in active politics” and had taken the decision after questioning himself for two years. Ashish Khetan reportedly sent his resignation to CM Kejriwal on Independence Day, the Press Trust of India quoted sources as saying. Ashutosh resigned the same day citing a “very, very personal reason”.
On Twitter, the 46-yearold left room for speculation by suggesting ‘extrapolation’ and ‘rumors’. “Early this year I made my decision to quit active politics after much deliberation and in consultation with family and close friends. However, since both the party and the government were beset with a series of crises, I waited for an opportune time to formalize my decision. I had also informed the party leadership about my decision, on more than one occasion,” he said in a Facebook post.
He said that his “personal decision” to move away from the party and electoral politics should not be viewed as a reflection on the AAP. “I have only received love and respect from the party and its members and volunteers. And I will be forever grateful for that,” he said. His Facebook post came after a lot of speculation over his move and reports that he had quit the party. Initially, he gave vague replies on Twitter without confirming his decision. There was no official comment from the AAP on Khetan’s decision. In the case of Ashutosh, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal did not accept his resignation. “I’ve also taken up legal causes in the larger public interest and will continue to do so. Besides practicing law, I’m also keen to return to writing,” he said.
He sought to quell rumors that his decision was in any way linked to his desire for getting a ticket in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. He was a candidate in the 2014 election. “The party had graciously asked me to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, but I had politely turned it down. Contesting one more election would have further entrenched me in the world of politics, something I don’t want at this point in time. “I continue to hold all my ex-party colleagues in high regard and wish them good luck in their future endeavors,” he said.