BJP slams AAP over MLAs' salary hike demand

NEW DELHI: BJP today attacked the Aam Aadmi Party over the demand of salary hike by a section of its MLAs holding it as another "motive" to make money, and said that the ruling party had "hidden" a decision to establish constituency offices for all legislators.

Leader of the Opposition in Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta released a letter written by Speaker Ram Niwas Goel to buttress his point, saying that the demand for salary hike was "deceitful".

"Acceptance of the concept of establishment of 'Office of Assembly Constituency' was already conveyed by the government to Speaker. Then why the demand to hike salary?" Gupta asked.

Gupta said it is "hypocrisy" on the part of AAP MLAs considering an action plan is "ready for providing office" and the Speaker in his letter "had requested MLAs to identify office space for their respective Assembly Constituency" within a week.

"He had clearly written that this office should be about 700-1000 sq ft in size and should be located at a convenient location. He further said that office infrastructure like a staff, furniture, computer, fax, etc, will be provided by the Legislative Assembly Secretariat," he said.

He accused the government of playing with the sentiments of the people by saying it has no money to work.

"AAP government says it has no money and office to work but now they have got the office. Why Kejriwal didn't reveal?" he asked.