The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Thursday stood by Delhi Law Minister Somnath Bharti over his vigilante-style midnight raid on African nationals in the capital, saying the minister had no personal agenda against anyone and did not misuse his power.
“Somnath Bharti didn’t intervene in the Khirki Extension matter due to any personal agenda but due to repeated requests of locals,” AAP spokesperson Yogendra Yadav said.
“Looking at the evidence. Prima facie, we don’t find anything procedurally wrong. Bharti did not misuse his powers as a minister,” Yadav said after a meeting of the party’s political affairs committee.
However, Yadav deplored Bharti’s use of unparliamentary language against Bharatiya Janata Party leader Arun Jaitley and lawyer Harish Salve.
“Somnath Bharti used obscene language against political opponents. We condemned it and told him to exercise restrain,” he said.
Yadav also promised action against the minister if he is found guilty in an inquiry ordered by Delhi’s Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung into the raid.
The minister went to a house in Khirki area after receiving complaints about an alleged prostitution and drug racket there.
Yadav said residents of the area must be spoken to before drawing a conclusion.
“I would request you to go and speak to people in Khirki Extension about their view on this episode. Then draw your conclusion,” he told the media.
AAP stands by Delhi Law Minister Somnath Bharti added by Indian newspaper Sydney on
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