BJP's Alleged Backdoor Play: AAP's Atishi Claims Conspiracy to Topple Kejriwal Government

Senior AAP leader Atishi has accused the BJP of a backdoor conspiracy to topple the Kejriwal government by imposing President's Rule in Delhi. The accusation follows the President's forwarding of BJP's claims of a constitutional crisis to the Home Affairs Ministry. Atishi asserts that Delhiites will retaliate in upcoming elections.

Senior AAP leader and minister Atishi on Tuesday accused the BJP of conspiring to topple the Kejriwal government through 'back door' tactics, specifically by pushing for the imposition of President's rule in Delhi.

The accusation came after the President's secretariat forwarded or escalated claims made by the opposition BJP, concerning an alleged constitutional crisis in Delhi, to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for further consideration.

In an interview with PTI, Atishi stated that if the Kejriwal government is overthrown, Delhiites will respond decisively by denying BJP any seats in the forthcoming assembly elections, thereby allowing AAP to secure all 70 seats.

The memorandum urging the dismissal of the AAP government was forwarded to the MHA after Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, Vijender Gupta, along with BJP MLAs, submitted it to President Droupadi Murmu.

Gupta accused Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of causing a 'paralysis of governance' in Delhi by remaining in jail for over four months on corruption charges related to the excise policy case.

Atishi pointed out that BJP's attempts to destabilize elected governments through their 'Operation Lotus', previously seen in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Manipur, had now targeted Delhi as well.

According to Atishi, the BJP's strategy to impose President's Rule through covert mechanisms signifies an attempt to undermine the popular mandate granted to the AAP in Delhi.

Atishi further highlighted that Chief Minister Kejriwal is revered by the people for his contributions to education, healthcare, public transportation, and social services. She warned that BJP's efforts to destabilize the current government would provoke a strong electoral counter-action from Delhi's citizens.

Gupta reiterated his stance, contending that the AAP government's failure to set up the sixth Delhi Finance Commission and to act on a CAG report constitutes a 'violation of the Constitution'.

He noted that a delegation of BJP MLAs had appealed to President Murmu for swift intervention to address what they describe as a 'constitutional crisis', attributed to Kejriwal's detention since March 21st on charges related to the excise policy.

The President has referred the BJP's memorandum to the home secretary for consideration, Gupta disclosed, urging prompt action in response to the ongoing situation.

Gupta emphasized that Kejriwal's refusal to resign has exacerbated an already strained situation, leading to administrative gridlock and negatively affecting essential services in Delhi.

(With inputs from agencies.)