A day after the >President rejected the Bill passed by the Delhi Assembly last year to exempt 21 AAP MLAs appointed as Parliamentary Secretaries from the purview of 'Office of Profit' criteria, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that his MLAs aren't yet disqualified.
Talking to the media, Mr. Kejriwal said that it is likely that the file hadn't even gone to the President and it is the Ministry of Home Affairs which is taking such decision. He said that none of the Parliamentary Secretaries get any perks even as those appointed in BJP-ruled states get cars, bungalows and Rs. 1 lakh as salary. “There are Parliamentary Secretaries appointed in BJP States like Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat and they all get extra benefits. Even other states like Nagaland and Puducherry have appointed them. But Modiji is only after Delhi,” said the Delhi CM.
Accusing the Prime Minister of not letting his government work, Mr. Kejriwal said that the PM hasn't been able to accept the Delhi elections defeat. “Modiji had once said that Soniaji wasn't letting the Parliament function as she hasn't accepted the Lok Sabha. Similarly, Modiji hasn't accepted BJP's defeat in Delhi,” he said.
Stating the notification for the appointment of the Parliamentary Secretaries, he said that it is very clear that they don't come under 'office of profit' criteria as no extra salary and office are given to them.
Even the AAP leaders criticised the Modi-government. AAP leader Sanjay Singh said that even if AAP government is uprooted by the Centre they will continue to work for the people. “Election Commission is yet to decide whether it is an office of profit or not. The MLAs aren't disqualified as projected by the BJP,” said Sanjay Singh.
AAP leaders said that the Centre is trying to destabilise the government and create panic in the city. “Modiji don't be scared of Arvind Kejriwal. You do your work and he will do his,” said AAP leader Ashutosh.
The Election Commission is yet to decide on the matter.
