Jan Man: Does Kejriwal care about the law?

New Delhi: In politics, the fate of politicians is not only decided by the ballots, but by the perception formed in the minds of the voters. However, in Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s case, it would difficult to keep the perception about him clean in the minds of voters. However, it is not like Congress and BJP have not been in soup in office of profit controversy. Constitutional problem for Kejriwal government For the first time, Kejriwal government has come under constitutional problem. After president rejected his bill to keep the post of parliament secretary out of the ambit of office of profit, memberships of 21 of his MLAs in the assembly are in danger. If it happens, it would be a political and moral blow for the party. Kejriwal government is arguing that parliament secretaries do not draw salaries or perks. They were appointed to make government’s work easy. However, law experts say salary and perks are not only construed as profit, but a decision-making position is also considered as office of profit that entails use of water, ac, electricity. Why Kejriwal appointed parliamentary secretaries? According to the rule, Delhi Assembly can have only 1 parliamentary secretary and only seven MLAs can be ministers. However, to keep the party together during the time of the ouster of Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan, Kejriwal appointed 21 parliamentary secretaries. Would Kejriwal’s MLAs lose membership of the house? Kejriwal’s 21 MLAs won’t lose the membership of the house at once. Election Commission has taken cognizance in the matter and would decide in due course of time about their membership. It may take 6 months for the verdict to be announced. A court case can also be filed in this regard. If their membership is cancelled, by polls would be organized on the vacant seats before or with Punjab elections. In both the cases, AAP would have to bear the damages. Kejriwal’s image would be dented Arvind Kejriwal’s image would be dented with the controversy. He would find it difficult to explain to people how his politics is different than other parties. Watch the full show