AAP's mask is finally off, says Congress

New Delhi: Even as the Rajya Sabha Chairman recognised the merger of seven AAP MPs with BJP, Congress said the development meant the Arvind Kejriwal-led party's "mask is finally off" as the "B team" of BJP. Senior Congress leader Ajay Maken alleged that money power, more than political background and association, was the key criterion for the AAP leadership in allotting Rajya Sabha berths.

"They should change their name from Aam Aadmi Party to Arabpati Aadmiyon ki Party (billionaires' party)," Maken said at a press conference, alleging that most of the defected AAP MPs are very rich. He claimed that based on an analysis he conducted of the combined financial worth of the seven defected AAP MPs, their average net worth came to "₹818,50,35,420". ET, however, could not independently verify the veracity of his claim.

Maken, who is also AICC treasurer, said BJP, which secured just about 6% of the vote in the last Punjab elections, roping in a majority of AAP Rajya Sabha MPs from the state sent a wrong signal, given the sensitivities of the border state.