21 Aam Aadmi Party MLAs may be disqualified; Here is why!

The Indian President Pranab Mukherjee has refused to give his nod to the bill sent by the Delhi Government Bill, which purports to exclude the post of Parliamentary Secretary from the office of profit.

Experts see it as a huge blow to the AAP government in Delhi. It has also raised questions about the fate of 21 AAP MLA’s who were appointed to these posts. These MLA’s were appointed by Delhi CM as Parliamentary Secretaries on March 13, 2015.

Petitions were filed with the President, which sought disqualification of these members since they occupied the position of profit which is a violation of the Constitution.

The capital state government wanted the Delhi Members of Legislative Assembly (Removal of Disqualification) Act, 1997 to be suitably amended to enable the parliamentary secretaries to function without disqualification.

The Bill was sent by the Lt. Governor to the center which sent it to the President with its comments on the matter. The highest executive of the country, after consulting with legal experts rejected the bill. He referred the issue to the Election Commission, and it has asked for replies from the concerned MLA’s.

The opposition Congress Party has upped the ante and sought immediate disqualification of the MLA since they had been in an office of profit which violates the provisions of the constitution.

The Congress delegation led by the state party President Ajay Maken said that it that it would be “unethical” to allow the 21 MLA to attend the Capital’s Assembly session.

The AAP had an emergency meeting on Monday to chalk put the strategy if the 21 MLA’s are disqualified. Some AAP leaders were critical of the Central government accusing it of being vindictive and undemocratic.

CM Arvind Kejriwal has targeted the PM Narendra Modi accusing him of showing disrespect for democracy and being fearful of the AAP.