Congress corners AAP for not appointing Lokpal

The Congress Party staged a protest against the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Government at Preet Vihar area of the national capital on Sunday for backtracking on the promise of appointing a Lokpal.

"In Delhi, when we are holding demonstration at all 14 districts, our biggest demand is that the Lokpal, which should have been appointed by now, why that lokpal has not been appointed so far," Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) chief Ajay Maken told ANI.

"Aam Aadmi Party came into existence on the demand of Lokpal. Aam Aadmi Party, last time when they were here just for 49 days, they ran away because they said they were unable to form a Lokpal. So, when there is no Lokpal so far now, as 180 days are over, we are asking them whom they want to shield. Already two of their MLAs are in jail," he added.

Maken further said, "We have lodged a complaint before office of Lokayukta for 29 such MLAs, who are facing charges of forged degrees, who are facing charges of 420, who are facing charges of using government facilities without being entitled to. So, we feel all the 29 MLAs should be behind the bars. These 29 MLAs would have to leave MLA-ship once independent Lokpal and Lokayukta comes into existence."

"We want Aam Aadmi Party to fulfill its promise. We want Aam Aadmi Party to appoint at least Lokayukta, for which there is a provision in law. At least appoint that Lokpal, which has been passed by the Parliament, which Anna Hazare has agreed upon," he added.

The AAP Government, which has been accused of spending around Rs. 526 crore in advertisements, has been under sharp criticism from both the Congress and BJP for its publicity budget.