Political Firestorm in Delhi: Portraits and Financial Allegations Stir Controversy

Amid a tense session in the Delhi Assembly, AAP defended its stance on retaining historical portraits amidst a portrait controversy. Concurrently, BJP criticized AAP over alleged financial misdoings post-CAG report. Accusations include significant fraud and anti-national activities. AAP refutes allegations, defending its excise policy changes.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) finds itself at the center of a heated debate following the uproar in the Delhi Assembly regarding the installation of portraits. AAP spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar clarified that while the party never opposed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's portrait, they objected to the removal of portraits of significant historical figures such as Babasaheb Ambedkar and Shaheed Bhagat Singh to make way for the new installations. Kakkar emphasized the importance of these historical figures and their contributions to India's legacy.

Simultaneously, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has mounted a severe critique against AAP, fueled by findings from a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report. BJP spokesperson Nabendu Bhattacharjee accused AAP of massive financial fraud totaling Rs 2026 crore, insinuating a connection between AAP and leftist groups linked to previous scandals in Tripura. Bhattacharjee declared that the truth behind AAP's financial dealings is unraveling, with hints of further revelations concerning anti-national activities.

Reacting to these allegations, AAP leader and Delhi's Leader of Opposition, Atishi, defended the party's past governance under Arvind Kejriwal. She asserted that the CAG report only highlighted shortcomings in the previous excise policy, issues that AAP had already addressed by implementing a new policy framework.

(With inputs from agencies.)