JOIN USFounding member of AAP Shanti Bhushan on Wednesday very nearly spoilt the party’s poll victory celebrations by alleging that party chief Arvind Kejriwal gave tickets to some shady candidates and accepted donations from dubious sources.
In a blog, Bhushan said: "He gave a large number of tickets to people who had amassed a lot of wealth by questionable means and were prepared to buy votes by distributing money and liquor.”
He said party’s commitment to clean politics was doubtful and advised Kejriwal not to make those 15-20 “shady” legislators his cabinet ministers.
The party dismissed Bhushan’s allegation. AAP leader Atishi Marlena asked Bhushan to provide evidence to support his allegations.
Bhushan also raised questions on the party funds received by Kejriwal. His remarks came on a day when the Income Tax Department issued the AAP a notice on a donation of Rs 2 crore it had got by cheques from alleged shell companies.
Even if on a small scale, Bhushan’s comments against chief minister-designate caused embarrassment to the party.
The comments seemed to be a continuation of the Bhushan’s critical observations during the party’s election campaign and earlier. At one stage, he termed BJP’s move to field Kiran Bedi as its chief ministerial nominee a “masterstroke”.
The veteran AAP leader suggested a course correction for the party and Kejriwal alleging that the principles of inner party democracy were being overlooked.
Bhushan said rich candidates seem to have been preferred by Kejriwal hoping that they would win using their resources.
“My advice to Kejriwal is not to make any of those 15-20 shady people ministers,” he added. BJP leader Shazia Ilmi said AAP has to give a valid reason as to why some people were given party tickets.