‘If Arvind Kejriwal Is Honest, He Should Resign’: Congress's Sanjay Nirupam Questions Move To Run Delhi Govt From Jail

Nirupam stated that while the court will ultimately decide on the matter of whether Kejriwal has taken any money or not. He raised questions over running the govt from jail.

New Delhi: The arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has made a hue and cry and leaders across all political spheres voiced their opinion so far. Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam also joined the bandwagon. Nirupam said on Saturday that Arvind Kejriwal should resign from his position as Delhi Chief Minister on moral grounds of his arrest. Speaking to the news agency ANI, he said, "The Court will decide if Arvind Kejriwal has taken any money or not, I cannot say anything on that... But when a person, especially a CM, is accused of corruption and says that he will run the government from jail and not resign, this indicates a very wrong trend."

"A person who taught honesty from 2011-14 and claimed that he is a 'Kattar Imaandar', is not displaying any basic elements of ethics... If he is honest, then he should resign... Running a government from jail is not legal and practically possible... On the basis of ethics and legalities, he (Arvind Kejriwal) should resign."

The remarks come as it is speculated that the BJP is in touch with Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam and is seeking to bring him into its camp ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Speaking on the matter, Maharashtra BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule remarked on Friday that individuals like Nirupam are always welcome to join the BJP if their ideologies and beliefs resonate with the saffron party.

Notably, Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit also talked about Delhi CM's arrest terming the decision to not relinquish the post as the AAP's internal matter but he also went on to say that, "It will be better from an administrative point of view that he (Arvind Kejriwal) nominates someone else."

BJP Slams AAP As CM Kejriwal To Run Delhi Govt From Jail

 The BJP criticised Arvind Kejriwal's decision to continue serving as the Chief Minister of Delhi despite being under arrest, saying, it is the most unfortunate moment in the country's political journey and worst kind of politics.

Amidst strong defenses from AAP leaders in support of their leader, Union Minister Anurag Thakur made a mocking remark, suggesting that they are competing to replace Arvind Kejriwal as the Chief Minister, but his wife has also joined the race now, a reference to Sunita Kejriwal reading out his message which was broadcast across the country on news channels, reported PTI.

The BJP leader dismissed the expression of solidarity from opposition parties towards Arvind Kejriwal. He pointed out  by citing the Congress' previous complaint against Kejriwal over an alleged liquor scam, questioning the party's support for him now. "Nobody is saying Kejriwal is innocent and there has been no scam", Thakur asserted.

Thakur highlighted how Prime Minister Narendra Modi had presented himself for questioning when he served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, demonstrating a commitment to upholding the supremacy of law.