AAP calls EC's move to disqualify 20 MLAS as unconstitutional

The party said it has decided to also ask President Ram Nath Kovind to hear them out before signing the formal orders over the issue of disqualification.

Delhi Deputy CM told media: "We are seeking time to meet the President."

He said: "The lawmakers will meet the President and then present evidence to support their case."

He also called the recommendation made by the EC as "unconstitutional and undemocratic" .
In a major development, the Delhi High Court on Friday took note of the petition filed by the Aam Aadmi Party MLAs which challenged the recommendations by the Election Commission for disqualifying 20 of its lawmakers for holding office of profit.

In a massive blow to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the Election Commission has recommended to the President that 20 legislators of his Aam Aadmi Party be disqualified for holding offices of profit as parliamentary secretaries, sources told media

In a major setback to Arvind Kejriwal, 20 Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs of Delhi are set to be disqualified for allegedly holding office of profits as parliamentary secretaries, media reports said.

The Election Commission on Friday sent its recommendation of disqualifications to President Ram Nath Kovind for approval.

However, the AAP will not face any problem in running the Delhi government immediately, as the party has 67 out of 70 Assembly seats.

Welcoming the EC's decision, the BJP said Delhi CM Kejriwal should immediately resign.

The Congress, which currently has no member in the Delhi Assembly, said it is ready for the mid-term polls in 20 vacant seats.

The AAP will hold a press conference at 3 p.m. to explain their stand on the entire development.

The case pertaining to the office of profit was first raised by Delhi lawyer Prashant Patel's petition after Kejriwal's clean sweep in 2015 Assembly poll.

Out of 70 Assembly seats, AAP has 67 opposed to BJP's 3 seats.

Congress has demanded for Kejriwal's resignation.

Both the Congress and the BJP slammed the AAP.

"Kejriwal has no right to continue.of his cabinet ministers removed on corruption charges! 20 MLAs who were enjoying ministerial perks would be disqualified! Where is Lokpal?
The MLAs and Ministers enjoying perks of power and foreign travel-Where is political probity?," Congress leader Ajay Maken tweeted.

BJP leader Sambit Patra tweeted: "Those who started their political journey against corruption are themselves corrupt. The journey of AAP has been from 'India against corruption' to 'I AM CORRUPTION."