As rift in AAP widens, Vishwas fumes over non-action against MLA for remarks

The war of words within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) continued on Tuesday with founder member Kumar Vishwas saying that if the allegations made by MLA Amanatullah Khan had been made against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal or his deputy Manish Sisodia, he would have been kicked out of the party. Mr. Sisodia struck back saying if Mr. Vishwas had an issue then he should have attended Monday’s political affairs committee (PAC) meeting and voiced his concerns.

Addressing the media at his residence in Uttar Pradesh’s Vasundhara, Mr. Vishwas said he was upset that no action was taken against Mr. Khan for levelling grave allegations against him. He said he would take some “big decisions” by late Tuesday evening, but did not mention details.

Mr. Khan had on Sunday alleged that Mr. Vishwas had taken money from the BJP to recruit MLAs from AAP. He also said the BJP was offering ₹30 crore to each MLA joining them.

An emotional Mr. Vishwas said, “I don’t want to be the chief minister or the deputy chief minister or even the party convenor. This is not the reason why I joined the movement. I do not know why other people joined it, but I am not here for positions.” 

Just hours later, Mr. Sisodia countered his statements saying that AAP was not his or Kejriwal’s party but it was a party of lakhs of workers in India and abroad, who have dedicated their lives for the movement. He said Mr. Vishwas had made this a personal fight.

“If he had any problem then he should have discussed it at the PAC meeting yesterday (Monday). I went to his house and so did Sanjay Singh, but he refused to attend the meeting. He did not come and he is now making such statements,” Mr. Sisodia said.

Sources said AAP members expressed dissatisfaction over the party’s handling of the Khan-Vishwas row. The party's political affairs committee (PAC) meeting, scheduled for Tuesday evening, was cancelled because of differences in the party, sources said.