Rebel AAP leader sues Kejriwal for 25% attendance in assembly
What's the story
Rebel AAP MLA Kapil Mishra, who once accused Arvind Kejriwal of taking Rs. 2cr-bribes, has now sued the Delhi CM. His fault? Low attendance in the assembly. Mishra submitted that Kejriwal, who also holds the water portfolio, had attended only seven out of 27 sessions in 2017. So "it isn't out of context to state that Delhi faces water-crisis every year," his petition said.
Petition
More about Mishra's petition
Mishra claimed Kejriwal had never remained present in the assembly during Question Hour, which "showed how serious the CM was in discussing matters related to the people." Demanding corrective steps, Mishra said he needed to inform people about his attendance and performance in the assembly, as well as other details, like how much time he spent consulting his constituents, and his income and assets.
Information
HC likely to hear matter tomorrow
Mishra also sought directions from the HC to the LG and assembly speaker to ensure Kejriwal's presence and replies to the queries posed. The matter was urgently admitted in the HC, which is expected to hear it tomorrow.
Twitter Post
Mishra tweets images of the petition
Petition in High Court -
— Kapil Mishra (@KapilMishra_IND) June 11, 2018
अरविंद केजरीवाल हाजिर हो pic.twitter.com/KtUitAPUiH
Allegations
Last year saw a long back-and-forth between Mishra and AAP
Last year, Mishra had sacked from the AAP after a series of allegations and counter-allegations. Among the many charges leveled by Mishra were that Kejriwal had taken a bribe of Rs. 2cr, that foreign trips of ministers were funded by a firm being probed for corruption, and that a firm owned by Health Minister Satyendra Jain had Rs. 16cr black money.
AAP
AAP supporters stood by Kejriwal, even beat up Mishra
Many AAP members had come out in support of Kejriwal. Legislator Sanjeev Jha went on a hunger strike in response to Mishra's, saying the fast will continue till he proves the CM took Rs. 2cr bribe. Jain also filed a defamation case against Mishra for "defamatory statements". Eventually, Mishra was beaten up by the AAP supporters after he protested against Kejriwal inside the assembly.
Status
Mishra's demands: Minimum 75% attendance, otherwise cut in salary
In his current petition, Mishra, incidentally the former water minister, has demanded that Kejriwal's salary should be deducted for his high absence, which was "an insult to votes people of Delhi have given." In fact, 'no work, no pay' policy should be applied to any MLA having below 50% attendance. For everyone, 75% attendance should be mandatory, he requested.