Kejriwal govt wins confidence vote amid walkout by BJP legislators
New Delhi(PTI): The Delhi Assembly on Thursday passed the confidence motion tabled by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal even as five BJP MLAs staged a walkout after their party colleagues were marshalled out of the House following an argument with the deputy speaker.
While all the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs present in the House voted in favour of the motion as expected, there was no vote against it due to the absence of BJP legislators.
Three BJP MLAs -- Vijender Gupta, Abhay Verma and Mohan Singh Bisht -- were marshalled out as they "argued" with Deputy Speaker Rakhi Birla, who did not heed their demand to take up their calling attention notices before a discussion on the motion. The remaining legislators walked out in protest soon after.
In the Assembly, Kejriwal also referred to the upcoming Assembly elections in Gujarat, saying his party's vote share in that state has increased by four per cent after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) raids against his deputy Manish Sisodia.
He said this vote share will increase by two per cent "if Sisodia is arrested".
"The CBI raided Sisodia, went to his village and searched his bank locker. CBI people said they did not find anything against him but they are under pressure to arrest him," Kejriwal claimed.
Outside the Assembly, he told reporters that Sisodia is a "pauper" and it was obvious that the probe agency could not find anything substantial.
The prime minister has given a "certificate of honesty" to Sisodia and the AAP, he said.
Kejriwal also alleged that the BJP tried to buy his party MLAs but none of them accepted the offer.
Trying to project the AAP as an alternative to the BJP, he said there are currently only two parties at the national level -- 'Kattar Imandar (hardcore honest) party and Kattar Beimaan (hardcore corrupt) party'.
"Absolutely corrupt party lacks educated people while 'hardcore honest' party has those with good education, genuine IIT degrees," he said.
"They are spending Rs 20-50 crore to buy MLAs. Am I doing anything wrong if I want to build schools and hospitals," Kejriwal sought to know.
The chief minister said both his children studied in Indian Institutes of Technology, and he wanted to provide the "same education to every child in India".
Kejriwal also said his government is worried about the increasing law and order issues in the capital.
"There should be no politics in law and order and safety of women in Delhi. We will extend all cooperation to the Lieutenant Governor and the Centre on it," he said.
On LG Vinai Kumar Saxena warning legal action against the AAP for levelling allegations of corruption against him, Kejriwal said, "We should welcome any probe if we are in public life."
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Ex-BJP MLA Raghupati Bhat turns rebel, to contest council election independently in Karnataka
Udupi (PTI): Striking a rebellious note, former BJP MLA from Udupi Raghupati Bhat has announced his decision to contest the upcoming MLC elections on June 3 as an independent candidate, representing the South-West Graduates' constituency.
Bhat has expressed his intent to stand as "a representative of party workers in the region".
He had been sulking ever since the BJP denied him a ticket in the 2023 Assembly election and fielded Yashpal Suvarna who won the election.
Bhat had turned emotional in public in 2023 when the BJP did not field him but announced supporting Suvarna.
The rebel BJP leader was expecting an MLC ticket for the Karantaka South West Graduates' constituency and had lobbied hard for it but the party decided to field Dr Dhananjaya Sarji.
Reflecting on his journey, Bhat on Monday highlighted his role in supporting the party candidate during the Assembly elections and securing a significant lead in votes.
The rebel leader expressed disappointment with the party's decision to award the MLC ticket to Dhananjay Sarji, a recent entrant to the party, over deserving senior candidates, including himself.
He was expecting support of 38,000 new voters who he claimed he had previously enrolled.
While reaffirming his allegiance to the BJP, Bhat clarified that his decision to contest independently stemmed from his commitment to the welfare of teachers and graduates.
He acknowledged assurances from senior BJP leaders regarding his candidature but remained resolute in his stance.
With nominations set to be filed on May 16, Bhat asserted that he would not retract his decision despite potential consequences.
Emphasising his respect for the BJP flag and expressing confidence in his victory, he reiterated his dedication to supporting the party even if successful as an independent candidate.
Bhat concluded by expressing hope for reconciliation with the BJP in future elections, affirming his identity as a BJP leader and commitment to serving the interests of his constituents.
