Setback for AAP as 8 MLAs Depart Days Before Delhi Elections
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Synopsis
In a significant setback for the Aam Aadmi Party, eight MLAs have resigned just five days ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, expressing dissatisfaction with the party's direction and governance integrity.
Key Takeaways
- Eight MLAs resigned from AAP before Delhi elections.
- Resignations highlight corruption concerns.
- MLAs criticized AAP's deviation from founding principles.
- Naresh Yadav voiced the discontent of constituents.
- Political competition intensifies as elections approach.
New Delhi, Jan 31 (NationPress) In a significant blow to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), just five days ahead of the Assembly elections, eight MLAs have officially left the party after being denied tickets.
The resigning legislators include Rajesh Rishi (Janakpuri), Naresh Yadav (Mehrauli), Bhawna Goud (Palam), Rohit Kumar Mehraulia (Trilokpuri), B.S. Joon (Bijwasan), Madan Lal (Kasturba Nagar), Pawan Sharma (Adarsh Nagar), and Girish Soni (Madipur), who submitted their resignations from both party membership and the Assembly to former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the Speaker.
Naresh Yadav, the MLA from Mehrauli, made his resignation public on X. He expressed his disappointment and criticized AAP for straying from its original ideals.
"AAP originated from the Anna movement against corruption, yet it is now mired in the same corruption it once fought against," Yadav remarked.
"I joined AAP seeking honest politics, but that integrity is now absent. For the past decade, I have served Mehrauli with integrity, and the residents know I have always prioritized good governance."
He further asserted that after engaging with his constituents, he discovered significant discontent with the party's current trajectory. "The people of Delhi recognize that AAP has embraced corruption," he claimed.
Yadav expressed gratitude towards his supporters and vowed to maintain his commitment to honesty and good governance in his political career. "I look forward to their support in the future," he added.
Rohit Kumar Mehraulia shared his frustrations on X, detailing that he joined AAP during the Anna Hazare movement with aspirations of achieving social justice for the Dalit and Valmiki communities, which have faced long-standing discrimination and exploitation.
He pointed out that despite AAP's pledges to uplift these communities, crucial issues such as ending contract-based labor and ensuring permanent jobs for temporary workers have not been addressed. He accused the leadership of exploiting his community as a mere vote bank while suppressing his attempts to voice their concerns.
Rajesh Rishi, the MLA from Janakpuri, also resigned, citing his growing dissatisfaction with AAP's deviation from its foundational values.
In his resignation letter, he condemned the party for betraying its principles of corruption-free governance and transparency. Rishi, who was once a supporter of Anna Hazare's anti-corruption campaign, decried AAP for forsaking its duty to combat corruption, claiming it has devolved into a "cesspit of nepotism and corruption."
He lamented how the party has neglected the sacrifices of its workers, specifically mentioning the case of Santosh Koli, whose death he felt was manipulated for political advantage. Rishi concluded that the party, once a symbol of integrity, has turned into an "unruly gang," betraying the trust of its followers.
Other resigning MLAs have also made public statements and shared their decisions via social media.
As the February 5 elections draw near, the competition for Delhi is heating up, with AAP, BJP, and the Congress intensifying their efforts to win voter support. The outcome of this critical contest will be revealed on February 8 when the votes are tallied.
