Disqualification of 20 AAP MLAs is BJP's 'Dirty Politics': Manish Sisodia's open letter to Delhiites

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia wrote an open letter to the people of Delhi on Monday, terming the disqualification of 20 AAP MLAs in the Office of Profit case as "BJP's dirty politics".

The letter, written in Hindi, was posted on Twitter by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader.

The letter can be seen as an attempt to reach out to the electorate in the wake of a strong possibility of mini-elections following the disqualification of 20 AAP MLAs of Delhi assembly.

In the letter, Sisodia said the central government has "imposed" bypolls on 20 Assembly constituencies, effectively halting all development works in the national capital for two years.

Sisodia claims that the BJP, "who are witnessing a sharp downfall in (popularity) graph" is trying to "impose" by-polls on the citizens of Delhi.

Calling the entire episode as "dirty politics", Sisodia asks "Is it fair to disqualified elected-representatives in an unconstitutional and illegal manner? Is it right to force elections on Delhi?"

Sisodia, however, maintained there was no conflict as the MLAs in question did not receive any perks for holding the parliamentary secretary positions.

"We had appointed these 20 MLAs as parliamentary secretaries and given them different responsibilities. For instance, one MLAs was given the responsibility of public schools. The MLA visited these schools to check if teachers were present and everything was running smoothly. Another was given the responsibility of public hospitals... For their work as parliamentary secretaries, these MLAs were not given government vehicles, bungalows or salaries. These MLAs spent from their own pockets to carry out this work. They rose from the (anti-corruption) movement and wanted to work for the nation," the AAP leader said.

Questioning the allegations levied on disqualified MLAs, some of whom were given individual portfolios and duties, Sisodia says many were spending from their own pockets to complete the assigned work and did not receive any perks.
Sisodia claimed by disqualifying the 20 lawmakers, BJP is trying to impose midterm elections in the state, which will lead to the Model Code of Conduct coming into effect. As a result, all the work undertaken by AAP-led Delhi government will come to a halt and soon, it'll be time for 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

The Election Commission on Friday recommended the disqualification of 20 MLAs of the party for allegedly holding offices of profit as Parliamentary Secretaries.
President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday accepted the EC's recommendation to disqualify 20 MLAs.

OneIndia News