AAP MLAs to seek Prez appointment

The Aam Aadmi Party MLAs, who are facing disqualification for violating the office of profit rules, will knock the doors of President Ram Nath Kovind demanding that they should be heard before taking any decision.

This was decided during a meeting between Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the disqualified MLAs. The Election Commission had on Friday asked the President to disqualify 20 MLAs for holding an office of profit.

"We are seeking time to meet the President. The legislators will meet him and present evidence to support their case," Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said.

An early audience with the President is doubtful as he starts a two-day Gujarat visit from Sunday. He is likely to return to Delhi only on Monday night.

Describing the Election Commission's recommendation as unconstitutional and undemocratic, Sisodia said the MLAs were not given an opportunity to defend the charges against them.

"There was no hearing, we were not given a chance to explain our stand. We appeal to the President to hear our view too," he said.

The Delhi government is being deliberately targeted for the honest work they have been doing in the capital, Sisodia said. "The latest EC decision is another attempt by the Centre to deter the AAP from pursuing the path of honest politics."

Jarnail Singh, who is also one of the MLAs recommended for disqualification, said, "I challenge the EC to prove that we got even Re 1 as salary, or even a house or car. We are ready to go to any court and if there is no option we will go to the people's court."