AAP govt loses majority after Independent MLA withdraws support

The Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi was left teetering on Monday after Independent MLA Rambir Shokeen withdrew his support to Arvind Kejriwal, whose party's strength has now been reduced to 35 in the 70 member house.

Shokeen, who went to meet Lt Governor to convey his decision but could not do so as Najeeb Jung was busy in a meeting, said he decided to withdraw support as the government has "failed" to fulfill the promises made before the polls.

"We had not sought time beforehand and had directly come to officially inform the Lt Governor that I am withdrawing my support to the AAP led Delhi government. But we could not meet him, as he was busy in a meeting. We have sought time and may be tomorrow (on Tuesday) he will give us an appointment," said Shokeen after coming out of the LG office.

Shokeen, who was elected from Mundka constituency, said Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal made several promises on power and water problems in Delhi, but even after several days in office he failed to address the issue.

"We had given support to the AAP based on the issue of removing unnecessary restrictions on villages, extension of 'Lal dora' boundaries, making the teachers working on contract permanent and also on the water issue, but they have failed on all these fronts.”

"Last when, I, Binny and Janata Dal-United MLA Shoaib Iqbal met Kejriwal on February 4, he assured us of starting work on these issues within a week but nothing has been done so far. I had also called up Kejriwal ji but he didn't respond or called me back. So I have decided to withdraw my support," Shokeen said.

Shokeen further blamed Kejriwal and his ministers of not visiting the villages of Delhi at least once after the formation of the government. However, soon after Shokeen, JD-U MLA Shoaib Iqbal's son came to the LG's office and submitted a letter to him, citing that he will continue extending his support to the AAP government.

"Keeping in view the present political crisis in Delhi, I would like to inform you that my support to the Aam Admi Party government still continues. As far as the matter of Jan Lokpal Bill is concerned, I would like that the present political crisis arising due to the Jan Lokpal Bill be resolved in consultation with all parties and persons. I hope that your good self may take necessary measures to resolve the present political crisis in Delhi," the letter written by Iqbal said.  

"Trouble is mounting for the Dehi government and they have to resolve them so that public and political parties do not face re-election. I will support him on the Jan Lokpal Bill. But from the statement that has come from Arvind Kejriwal, it seems that he is not willing to run the government," he said.

In a House of 70, AAP's strength was reduced to 26, after Laxminagar constituency MLA Vinod Kumar Binny was expelled from the party and another member was elected as the speaker.

Image: Independent MLA Rambir Shokeen