New Delhi: In a first of sorts, a chief minister on Friday sacked his minister on live TV. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal created this unique record in India's political arena by sacking his Food and Civil Supplies Minister Asim Ahmed Khan on charges of corruption.
An audio tape was played out by the Chief Minister in a hurriedly called press conference in which Khan was heard allegedly seeking Rs 6 lakh from a builder. After sacking Khan, Kejriwal challenged the Bharatiya Janata Party to act against Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and his Rajasthan counterpart Vasundhara Raje.
Senior AAP leader Ashutosh justified the move saying, "It is the AAP itself who took the action on its own. Let BJP and Congress also follow the same principle."
According to sources, the decision was taken on Thursday night by Kejriwal. The clinching evidence for Kejriwal was Khan's voice in the audio clip. Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and AAP leader Ashutosh were closely involved in the decision making process.
A CBI probe has also been recommended by the Delhi government against Khan.
Asim Ahmed Khan on his part said, " It's a political conspiracy against me. I will come out clean. I was asked to resign by my party and I had tendered my resignation. I am a businessman this conversation might be related to one of my personal business deal."
Aam Aadmi Party Ballimaran MLA Imran Husain has been made the new Food and Civil Supplies Minister.
The AAP government took on the BJP and Congress to follow its path. "We took suo moto action in this matter. Our system has become such that despite media pressure, parties don't sack leaders. Prima facie there is evidence, let a court of law decide. We have our own lokpal, we have referred the case to them. Let's see what comes out of it," Ashutosh said.
After this high-end political drama, political parties criticised Kejriwal and called it a mere 'publicity stunt'.
Former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit said it was just a publicity stunt by the AAP government to gain mileage. "If the action taken against the minister is without finding the facts, then it will lead to wrong precedent. Since nothing has been proved, Kejriwal has been unfair to Asim Khan. I would have not gone to media without finding the facts. This is all tamasha to attract media," she said.
BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said, "Kejriwal pulled a stunt by sacking minister on TV. He was left with no option as he was caught red handed. Many of Kejriwal's ministers are facing jail charges. Where is the Lokpal and Lokayukta?"
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