In a significant political development, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) emerged triumphant in a confidence motion led by Delhi’s Chief Minister and AAP’s national convenor, Arvind Kejriwal. Kejriwal emphasized the motion’s purpose to demonstrate the Assembly’s trust in the council of ministers amid allegations of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) attempts to destabilize the government.
Majority in Assembly
The motion passed with a voice vote, with 54 out of AAP’s 62 MLAs present, underscoring the party’s substantial majority in the 70-member Delhi Assembly. Kejriwal clarified that no AAP MLA defected, despite two being incarcerated and six absent for personal reasons.
BJP Opposition and Allegations
During the session, Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, the Leader of the Opposition from BJP, voted against the motion, while the remaining seven BJP MLAs were suspended for disrupting proceedings earlier. Kejriwal reiterated allegations of BJP’s attempts to entice AAP MLAs to topple the government, attributing these actions to fear and an inability to accept defeat.
Future of Delhi Assembly and AAP’s Resolve
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Kejriwal expressed concerns over rumors of the Delhi Assembly’s potential dissolution post Lok Sabha elections, accusing the BJP-led central government of intending to revoke Delhi’s partial statehood. He affirmed AAP’s determination to challenge BJP’s dominance, projecting confidence in the party’s future electoral prospects.
AAP’s Governance Achievements and Legal Challenges
Highlighting AAP-led governments’ achievements in Delhi and Punjab, Kejriwal emphasized initiatives such as free electricity, mohalla clinics, and infrastructure development. However, amidst the political showdown, Kejriwal faced legal hurdles, with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) summoning him for questioning, which he attributed to BJP’s attempts to hinder AAP’s governance.
BJP’s Response
In response to AAP’s allegations, BJP representatives refuted claims of destabilizing the government and accused AAP of corruption and mismanagement. They stressed the need for accountability and transparency in governance.
AAP MLA Support and Political Implications
AAP MLAs echoed Kejriwal’s sentiments, denouncing BJP’s attempts to poach AAP leaders and pledging allegiance to Kejriwal. The political standoff between AAP and BJP underscores an ongoing power struggle in Delhi, indicating intensified political maneuvers in the future.
