In a significant display of political strength, the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government secured a trust vote during the ongoing Budget session of the Delhi Assembly on Saturday. Despite facing allegations of attempted poaching by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Kejriwal’s AAP emerged triumphant, reaffirming its majority in the assembly.
The trust vote, a crucial procedural move in parliamentary democracy, is a litmus test of the ruling party’s legitimacy and support within the legislative body. In this case, the trust vote was initiated by Kejriwal’s AAP to demonstrate its continued mandate to govern Delhi effectively.
VIDEO | "On contacting our MLAs, we found out that they tried to poach seven of our legislators. These MLAs today said in the House that they approached (by the BJP). Like Rajesh Gupta said, they (BJP) want us to show a proof. How can we show a proof? A person doesn't carry tape… pic.twitter.com/inXHbPiChF
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 17, 2024
Delhi Assembly Number Game Favors Arvind Kejriwal
Out of the 62 AAP MLAs, 54 were present during the voting process, with Kejriwal reassuring that none of his party members had defected. He clarified that two MLAs were currently in jail, while others were either unwell or out of station, accounting for the absence of some legislators during the vote.
During his address to the House, Kejriwal expressed concerns over the BJP’s alleged attempts to destabilize the AAP government by enticing its MLAs with offers of money and other inducements. He accused BJP representatives of contacting AAP members to coerce them into switching sides, highlighting what he perceived as unethical tactics to undermine his government.
He said via PTI:
“On contacting our MLAs, we found out that they tried to poach seven of our legislators. These MLAs today said in the House that they approached (by the BJP). Like Rajesh Gupta said, they (BJP) want us to show a proof. How can we show a proof? A person doesn’t carry tape recorder all the time. They feel that the party (AAP) will collapse once Arvind Kejriwal is arrested. They can arrest Kejriwal but how will they arrest Kejriwal’s thinking?”
Kejriwal emphasized that despite BJP’s maneuvers, AAP remained steadfast in its commitment to serving the people of Delhi. He asserted that the BJP’s actions were a testament to AAP’s status as a formidable challenger to the ruling party, prompting relentless attacks from all sides.
The Delhi Chief Minister further alleged that BJP’s interference extended beyond political maneuvering to obstruct the functioning of the AAP government. He criticized the BJP’s handling of the services department and bureaucracy, accusing them of hampering essential services, including healthcare, in Delhi.
Addressing the Rouse Avenue Court via video conferencing on the same day, Kejriwal sought to postpone his physical appearance in court due to the ongoing confidence motion and Budget sessions in the Delhi Assembly. He expressed his desire to participate in the court proceedings but cited scheduling conflicts for his virtual appearance.
Kejriwal’s AAP victory in the trust vote underscores the party’s resilience and unwavering commitment to governance despite facing adversities. The outcome reaffirms AAP’s mandate to govern Delhi and sets a precedent for political stability in the region.
As the AAP government continues its efforts to address the pressing needs of the people of Delhi, the trust vote victory is a crucial milestone in its journey towards effective governance and public service.
