'Kejriwal To Remain Delhi CM': AAP After High Court's Observations On His Absence Affecting MCD Schools

After the Delhi High Court's observations regarding the CM's responsibilities, the Aam Aadmi Party has reaffirmed that Arvind Kejriwal will continue as the Chief Minister.

File Photo of AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh ( Image Source :PTI )

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) reaffirmed on Monday that Arvind Kejriwal will continue as the Chief Minister of Delhi, downplaying the Delhi High Court's recent observations regarding the responsibilities of the office. Speaking at a press conference, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh reiterated the party's stance, emphasizing that Kejriwal's tenure as chief minister was a decision made by the people of Delhi.

Singh stated, "The decision that Kejriwal should continue to be the chief minister even after being jailed was that of the people of Delhi. Kejriwal was the chief minister, is the chief minister, and will continue to be the chief minister of Delhi", as quoted by news agency PTI. He further mentioned that the High Court had dismissed three Public Interest Litigations (PILs) seeking Kejriwal's removal from the chief ministerial post.

PIL On Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's Absence Affecting MCD Schools

Arvind Kejriwal has been in judicial custody at Tihar jail since March 21 in connection with a money laundering case linked to the Delhi excise policy. The High Court, addressing a PIL by NGO Social Jurist, represented by advocate Ashok Agarwal, concerning the non-supply of educational materials to students in Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) schools, underscored the indispensability of a Chief Minister's continuous availability, especially in managing crises.

Dealing with the PIL that highlighted Kejriwal's absence affecting the supply of educational materials to students in MCD schools, the court emphasised, "A chief minister’s post in any state, let alone a buzzing capital like Delhi, is not a ceremonial post and the office holder has to be virtually available 24x7 to deal with any crisis or natural disaster."

"National interest and public interest demands that no person who holds this post is incommunicado or absent for a long stretch of time or for an uncertain period of time. To say that no important decision can be taken during a model code of conduct is a misnomer," a bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet PS Arora remarked, as quoted by PTI.

The court stressed that CM Kejriwal's absence cannot lead to students going through the first term without free textbooks, writing material, and uniforms in MCD schools. 

AAP Says CM Arvind Kejriwal 'Doesn't Have Lust For Any Post'

AAP's Sanjay Singh defended CM Kejriwal, stating, "Expressing my full respect towards the High Court, I want to say that Arvind Kejriwal is a true patriot. Nobody can raise questions on his patriotism. He is a victim of a political conspiracy. He does not have a lust for any post... when the question of values came, he had resigned from chief minister's post within 49 days".

The AAP leader stressed that the work concerning the people of the national capital won't be affected. He underscored Kejriwal's commitment to public service and the party's confidence in his leadership, noting that ministers continue to consult with him even during his incarceration.

"Arvind Kejriwal is serving the people of Delhi like a true patriot even in jail. It is the decision of the people of Delhi and party MLAs that he should remain CM. The same High Court has dismissed three PILs demanding the removal of Kejriwal as chief minister. The High Court said that he should not resign," he claimed as he mentioned that ministers meet CM Kejriwal in jail and get directions.

"The High Court decision should be looked at from the perspective of the non-formation of the standing committee in MCD due to LG's interference. All works are ongoing and our ministers are solving people's problems," the AAP leader added.  

Regarding the MCD schools' issue, the High Court directed the MCD Commissioner to ensure the provision of free textbooks, writing materials, and uniforms to students, notwithstanding budgetary constraints like the expenditure limit of Rs 5 crore.

Kejriwal's arrest by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21, following his refusal to appear before the central agencies probing the money-laundering case, was upheld by the High Court on April 9. The court ruled that the arrest was lawful, considering Kejriwal's repeated non-compliance with summonses.