AAP stages protests across Punjab, demands Jaitley's resignation

Activists of Punjab unit of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) today held demonstrations across the state demanding the resignation of Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley over allegations of corruption in Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA).

"Activists of AAP protested in 11 Zones throughout Punjab against Jaitley in DDCA scam case," a party spokesman said here.

The protesters burnt effigies of Jaitley and raised slogans again the minister for "politicising" cricket and "giving public money to private firms for his personal gains".

Punjab AAP co-convener Durgesh Pathak accused Jaitley of lying that the renovation of Feroz Shah Kotla ground was done at a total cost of Rs 114 crore, though the initial tender was only for Rs 24 crore.

He claimed that Rs 57 crore were paid to private companies without any competitive bidding or tenders.

Pathak also alleged that these companies were handpicked and all this was done to give benefits to near and dear ones of Jaitley. He also condemned Jaitley for allegedly putting pressure on ONGC to give Rs 5 crore grants to Hockey India, and that too, after taking over as the Finance Minister of the country.

He said that it is a clear act of misconduct and corruption by the Union Minister.

The protesters demanded resignation of Jaitley in the case.

They said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should give clarification to the nation on the allegation against Jaitley.