Delhi's Minister Raaj Kumar Anand tendered his resignation from his ministerial position and also relinquished his membership from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday, citing his dissatisfaction with the party's stance on corruption. This move came as a direct reference to the ongoing liquor policy case, which has seen prominent leaders, including Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his former deputy Manish Sisodia, facing legal scrutiny.
Raaj Kumar Anand, who represents the Patel Nagar constituency, served as the Minister of Social Welfare and SC/ST in the Delhi Cabinet under Chief Minister Kejriwal.
Following his resignation, Anand expressed his reasons, stating that he could no longer associate himself with the prevailing 'corruption' within the party. He emphasized that while the AAP was founded to combat corruption, it now finds itself mired in corruption allegations, making it untenable for him to continue serving as a minister.
Anand also took a dig at Arvind Kejriwal, recalling his previous promises of transformative politics at Jantar Mantar, remarking that while the politics remained unchanged, the politicians had indeed shifted.
Furthermore, Anand raised concerns regarding the inadequate representation of Dalits within the party hierarchy. He lamented the lack of respect accorded to Dalit MLAs, ministers, and councilors within the AAP, stating that he could not align himself with a party that disregarded Dalit representation.
Regarding his personal situation, Anand's name surfaced in a customs-related money laundering case investigated by the Enforcement Directorate last year. This led to a search of his residence by the agency.
In response to Anand's resignation, AAP leader Sanjay Singh accused the BJP of orchestrating the departure, alleging the use of central agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate and the Central Bureau of Investigation to coerce AAP ministers and MLAs into defecting. Singh described the BJP's tactics as hooliganism, citing similar instances in various other states where the BJP is accused of similar maneuvers.
In summary, Anand's resignation highlights internal strife within the AAP, underscoring issues related to corruption allegations, Dalit representation, and external pressures exerted by political opponents.
