Delhi’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday described President Ram Nath Kovind’s order disqualifying 20 of its MLAs for holding offices of profit as “unconstitutional” and “dangerous for democracy.”
The President on January 21 accepted the Election Commission of India’s (ECI’s) recommendation to disqualify the 20 AAP MLAs.
Madanlal, one of the 20 disqualified MLAs, said that all hopes hinge upon the judiciary and the party is expecting some relief on January 22.
Reacting to the development, senior AAP leader Ashutosh said, “President’s order to disqualify AAP MLAs is unconstitutional and dangerous for democracy.”
Alka Lamba, who is among the disqualified MLAs, said the decision was “painful” and the President should have heard them out before arriving at any conclusion.
The AAP MLAs had also sought time from the President.
The AAP MLAs were appointed parliamentary secretaries and their appointment was described as them holding offices of profit by a petitioner.
The AAP has also approached the Delhi High Court seeking a stay on EC’s recommendation. The court has listed the case for a hearing on January 22.
“We are expecting relief from the court. Our petition is coming up for hearing tomorrow,” Mr. Madanlal, who represented the Kasturba Nagar constituency, said.
