AAP’s Delhi min quits as Kejriwal moves Supreme Court
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi minister Raaj Kumar Anand resigned from both posts on Wednesday, alleging the organisation had changed its anti-graft principle to become “involved in corruption”.
“I joined AAP after being inspired by its strong stance against corruption. However, today, the party finds itself embroiled in corrupt practices. Therefore, I have decided to quit,” said Anand, who served as the social welfare, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes minister, at a press conference in Delhi.
He accused AAP of discriminatory practices in allotting leadership roles. “There is no Dalit MLA or councillor in the Aam Aadmi Party. Dalit leaders are not even appointed to leadership positions. I follow the principles of Baba Saheb Ambedkar. If I cannot work for Dalits, then there is no point in being in the party,” he said.
The AAP MLA’s resignation comes at a time when Kejriwal is in judicial custody in connection with the now scrapped Delhi excise policy.
In response to a question about the timing of his resignation, Anand said, “It is not about the timing. Till yesterday, we were under the impression that we are being framed, but after the High Court verdict, it seems that there is something wrong at our end.” The High Court on Tuesday rejected Kejriwal’s bail plea.