Citing Goa lawmakers' penchant for creating world records when it comes to defection, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday made all the AAP's candidates for the February 14 assembly polls to sign affidavits, pledging their commitment to the party and anti-corruption.
Addressing a press conference in Panaji, the Aam Aadmi Party national convenor also said that the pledge on the affidavit also leaves the party's candidates open to prosecution, if they defect from the party if they win the elections or indulge in corrupt acts.
“Goa’s politics is such that it has a history of defections. I think it must be a world record that 15 of the 17 elected MLAs of one party switch sides to another. This pledge is a legal document and if any of our candidates go against their pledge they can be prosecuted for breach of trust and swearing a false oath,” Kejriwal told the press conference. The AAP is contesting in 39 out of the 40 assembly constituencies which go to polls on February 14 in the coastal state.
“We have chosen all good candidates, when choosing we have chosen based on who is clean and honest. We have chosen them well, yet we have felt the need for this affidavit because not only should you be honest, but you should also be seen to be honest. People have to be reassured (that) If I work dishonestly or change my party you can file a case against me,” the Delhi Chief Minister also said.
Goa had witnessed an exodus of MLAs to the BJP. Apart from the 15 Congress who switched to the BJP at various stages since 2017, two MLAs from the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party have also joined the BJP, along with one now-former MLA of the Goa Forward Party.
Kejriwal said that the defection menace had to be tackled at a central level to rein in the scourge.
“Anti defection laws need to be strengthened in India. Especially in the case of Goa. If an MLA wants to defect for reasons of 'defection' then they need to go back to the people. This is a confidence building measure that we are giving you in writing that we will not change. Today we are the only party that is bringing a statement of oath before the people,” he said.
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