On Tuesday, the Congress emphasized that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) holds the sole authority to determine the leader of its legislative party. This response came amidst queries regarding the continuation of Arvind Kejriwal as Delhi Chief Minister following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
“The leader of a legislative party is determined by the MLAs of that party. Regardless of individual opinions, the decision rests with the party. Whatever AAP chooses is entirely their prerogative,” stated Congress spokesperson Sandeep Dikshit when asked about the Congress party’s stance on Mr. Kejriwal’s continuation as Chief Minister.
Responding to a query regarding Mr. Kejriwal issuing official orders from prison and the BJP labeling these orders as “fake,” Mr. Dikshit remarked that the BJP’s assertion reinforces the Congress’ contention that the ED operates as a wing of the ruling party.
“Just as whatever I speak from the podium will be considered the viewpoint of the Congress, similarly, whatever the BJP is stating is being interpreted as the stance of the ED. If the ED is accountable to the BJP, then the central agency can clarify the existence or absence of papers or documents to them,” he expressed.
“By March 31 [the day of the Opposition rally to protest Mr. Kejriwal’s arrest], we will utilize the BJP’s statements regarding the actions or inactions of the ED, which are evidently known to the BJP first,” he further elaborated.