Atishi, a prominent leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and a minister in the Delhi government, has raised serious concerns over a purported conspiracy by the Central government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), to destabilize the democratically elected administration under Arvind Kejriwal. Atishi’s claims come amidst a backdrop of escalating tensions and legal battles surrounding the AAP leadership.
Allegations of Conspiracy
Atishi has alleged that the Central government is orchestrating a plot to impose President’s rule in Delhi, effectively dismissing the authority of the elected government. She pointed to various actions, including the refusal of senior IAS officers to attend government meetings, as evidence of this conspiracy. According to Atishi, these maneuvers aim to undermine the mandate of the people of Delhi, who overwhelmingly supported Arvind Kejriwal and the AAP.
Legal Battles and Accusations
The allegations of conspiracy come at a time when Arvind Kejriwal himself is embroiled in legal troubles. Kejriwal, the national convenor of AAP, is currently in judicial custody due to ongoing investigations into allegations of money laundering related to the Delhi Excise Policy case. The AAP has vehemently denied these allegations, accusing the Modi-led Centre of orchestrating a smear campaign ahead of crucial elections.
Opposition’s Response
The opposition parties have rallied behind the AAP, accusing the BJP of misusing investigative agencies to cripple their political opponents. Several petitions were filed in the Delhi High Court seeking the removal of Kejriwal as Chief Minister, but they were swiftly rebuked by the court. The bench, led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan, imposed a fine on one petitioner for attempting to drag the court into political matters.
Delhi High Court’s Stance
The Delhi High Court, while acknowledging the gravity of the situation, clarified that it does not possess the authority to declare a breakdown of the constitutional machinery in the national capital. The court firmly stated that it cannot impose Governor’s rule in Delhi and emphasized the need to refrain from politicizing legal proceedings.