AAP MLA and the leader of opposition in the Punjab assembly, Sukhpal Singh Khaira, has publicly questioned his leader’s decision to apologise to Bikram Majithia, a former minister in the state government, in a defamation case.
Khaira asked, “I fail to understand the timing of Kejrewal’ apology when STF (Special Task Force) of Punjab has stated to the High Court today that there’s substantial evidence to proceed against Bikram Majitha on the issue of drugs.”
The MLA from Bholath in Punjab said that Kejriwal’s apology had left him stunned. He said, “We’re appalled and stunned by the apology of @ArvindKejriwal tendered today,we don’t hesitate to admit that we haven’t been consulted on this meek surrender by a leader of his stature.” Khaira said that he will speak to the media on Friday on the issue.
Khaira also concluded that Kejriwal’s apology had let down the people, ‘especially the youth of Punjab.’ He said, “Arvind Kejriwal’s apology to Bikram Majithia in the defamation case on drugs is a let down to the people, especially the youth of Punjab. We in Punjab have not been taken into the loop. Our fight for Punjab continues.”
Another AAP MLA Aman Arora too voiced his dissatisfaction on Kejriwal’s apology for Majithia. He wrote, “Shocked and disappointed to know about the apology tendered by Arvind Kejriwal to Majithia. I still believe drugs would not have taken so much young lives had the previous Govt not patronised drug mafia. Our fight against drugs continues. (sic)”
The Delhi chief minister on Thursday had apologised to Majithia for his past allegations against him on the latter’s alleged involvement in drug trade. Reacting to Kejriwal’s apology, Majithia had said that he accepted the AAP convenor’s apology.
In his apology letter, Kejriwal had said, “In the recent past I made certain statements and allegations against you regarding your alleged involvement in drug trade. These statements became a political issue. Now I’ve learnt that allegations are unfounded. Hence there should be no politics on such issues.”
Later it was reported that Kejriwal had also made up his mind to apologise to Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in the ongoing defamation case against AAP leaders.
Thursday’s development has caused considerable turmoil in AAP with many vehemently opposing their leader’s decision. One senior AAP leader, wishing not to be identified, said, “It seems it’s time we quit politics altogether. We are feeling cheated today.”
Kejriwal’s apology to Majithia came on the day the Special Task Force, probing the drug trade racket, submitted its report to the Punjab and Haryana High Court. In its report, the STF has reportedly made serious revelations adding that there were enough evidence to launch a probe against Majithia..
A report by ABP News said that the accused arrested by the STF had confessed to making payments to Majithia. The STF, the ABP News report added, has also asked the High Court to examine Majithia’s bank accounts.