As Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s dharna continued, the Congress on Tuesday indicated that its patience was running thin over the “anarchist conduct” of the AAP government and said it will take an “appropriate” decision on issue of support at an “appropriate” time.
It also voiced its disappointment over incidents of violence during the protest against the Delhi Police.
Party spokesperson Randip Surjewala said, “The Congress party will take an appropriate decision at an appropriate time” when asked when will Congress review its support to AAP if Mr. Kejriwal’s was creating anarchy.
A senior party leader, speaking on the condition of anonymity, however, indicated that the Congress will not rush to withdraw support from the government, saying, “We will not ally with Kejriwal both to become Chief Minister as well as a martyr.”
Mr. Surjewala told reporters, “They are behaving in an anarchic and unconstitutional manner. Being in the government, it is their duty to follow the Constitution. And, therefore, they need to review their policy and conduct so far.”
He also said that being in the government, one cannot be allowed to act in a vigilante manner and create inconvenience to the common people.
“We are disappointed with their performance and conduct so far... Congress had supported the AAP government so that they can carry out work for the welfare of people as they had promised. But they do not seem to be coming true to the expectations till now,” the Congress spokesperson said.
The terse remarks of the Congress, which is supporting the AAP government in Delhi from outside, came as Mr. Kejriwal’s street protest demanding action against policemen who refused to carry out a raid on an alleged drug and prostitution ring on a Delhi Minister’s directive last week, entered its second day.
Showing no signs of relenting, the Chief Minister ruled out negotiations to end the stand off with the Centre and threatened to flood Rajpath with lakhs of supporters that can disrupt Republic Day celebrations.
Police also cane-charged some AAP supporters as they turned violent and broke barricades to enter the area where Mr. Kejriwal is protesting.
“There is no battle of oneupmanship between Congress or UPA or the AAP government,” Mr. Surjewala said, dismissing a contention that the people are suffering due to the central government-Delhi government stand off.
