Delhi Minister Critiques AAP MLAs’ Exit to Dodge Debate on Kejriwal's Scandals
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New Delhi, March 23 (NationPress) Delhi Cabinet Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa criticized the AAP MLAs for their decision to exit the Assembly, asserting that the Opposition is evading discussions on contentious matters from the Arvind Kejriwal administration.
He remarked, “The opposition is neglecting its duties. The citizens of Delhi entrusted the Aam Aadmi Party with the Opposition role. They evaded accountability for a decade while in power, and now this drama-centric party is shirking its responsibilities as Opposition.”
On Monday, AAP members opted to refrain from Assembly proceedings, reportedly to demand the reversal of the suspension of four of their MLAs from the previous session.
Sirsa pointed out that the Opposition is dodging discussions because issues from their time in office are re-emerging.
He continued, “They evade CAG reports… For 11 years, Arvind Kejriwal avoided presenting CAG reports in the Assembly. All their wrongdoings would be unveiled. Now, our government is presenting the CAG report, and they have fled the Assembly.”
Continuing his criticism, he stated, “Atishi ji seldom attends the Assembly, but I want to convey this: running away will not erase your wrongdoings.”
Previously, they also walked out during discussions on pivotal issues, as noted by the Environment Minister.
The Minister stressed the necessity of accountability for the past 11 years, declaring, “You exploited Delhi for 11 years; you must provide a complete explanation. The people of Delhi have already removed you from power, and now the Assembly is demanding answers regarding the CAG report.”
Regarding the Opposition’s demonstration outside, he stated, “This theatrical performance they are putting on outside today… We invite you to come inside and respond to the CAG report.”
The Minister asserted that the moment for accountability has come. He highlighted various issues, asserting, “The PAC report today is revealing the liquor scam, health scam, power scam, and transport scam; these are the reasons they are avoiding the Assembly today.”
Earlier, Speaker Vijender Gupta also criticized the AAP MLAs for their choice to boycott Assembly sessions.
“Failing to engage in the House's proceedings and obstructing the democratic process in this manner equates to hijacking Constitutional institutions,” he stated.
“Today, several significant reports have been presented in the House, on which the Opposition should express its position and engage in discussions,” he added.
“Especially with the Delhi Budget being introduced, the Opposition's presence is essential and highly crucial,” remarked the Speaker.
“Acting with insolence against parliamentary traditions and repeatedly showing contempt for the Chair is absolutely reprehensible,” he concluded.
Four AAP MLAs—Sanjeev Jha, Kuldeep Kumar, Somdutt, and Jarnail Singh—were suspended for disrupting the proceedings and disobeying the Chair's orders.
In the 70-member Delhi Assembly, the Bharatiya Janata Party holds 48 seats, while the AAP has 22 legislators.