AP Shah, Kamini Jaiswal deny being associated with AAP

NEW DELHI: Following diplomat Madhu Bhaduri's controversial exit from an AAP advisory committee, there are more fireworks in the offing. Former Delhi High Court chief justice and Law Commission chairperson A P Shah and advocate Kamini Jaiswal -- who have been named as part of the judicial reforms committee -- have denied that they advised the political party in any way.

Speaking to TOI, Shah said, "I am not associated with the party in any way. I was informed by someone that my name was on their website for the committee on judicial reforms and I asked them to remove it." Shah's name was present till a few days back but has been removed now.

The former Delhi HC chief justice said he had been asked to accept the position of an ombudsman for the party which he had declined. "A few months earlier, I had given a lecture on judicial reforms to AAP members. That has been the extent of my involvement," he said.

Jaiswal's name, however, continues to be on the website despite her knowledge. When asked about her role in the committee, Jaiswal said, "I am not part of any committee of AAP."

AAP member Raghav Chadha said it was a technical issue. "People participated in the advisory groups in various capacities. The names you mention may have been included in the list by mistake. We removed all names from the website a month back since the process of consultation was over. Our technical team will look in to this outdated list that pops up," he said.

AAP sources said a list of 200 people had been made initially seeking views and inputs on various issues. Of these, around 150 agreed to participate but in different capacities and degrees of involvement.

The party had established 31 committees with over 100 members on issues including internal security, foreign policy, land acquisition and rehabilitation, electoral reforms and democratic governance among others.