Some AAP MLAs using govt perks after pledging otherwise: BJP

NEW DELHI: In a continuing war of words with AAP, BJP today charged that although the party tries to give "lessons in political morality" some of its MLAs are enjoying government posts and using official cars despite pledging they would forgo all the facilities which a legislator enjoys.

"They (AAP) are trying to teach us the lesson of morality, but they should first look inside. Nine AAP legislators are presently holding the posts of chairpersons of district development committees and enjoying the facilities of government offices, vehicles, telephone and staff... is it their morality?" said Delhi BJP chief Satish Upadhyay.

BJP claimed that all AAP candidates had filed an affidavit at the time of Delhi elections pledging that they would not use government cars and other facilities available to an MLA.

However, some AAP MLAs are now enjoying all the perks of office, BJP alleged.

"(AAP convener Arvind) Kejriwal blames the LG for the slow pace of development in Delhi. But it is the district development committees, where AAP MLAs hold crucial posts, which take decisions about such works.

"Delhiites are suffering because AAP MLAs are enjoying the facilities connected with the post of chairman but not paying attention to development works," claimed Upadhyay.

The Delhi BJP chief also levelled similar charges against Congress leaders, saying they, too, were holding various posts on important committees of Delhi government some of the chairpersons of which also enjoy housing accommodation.

"All these committees are directly connected with the welfare of the public such as DTDC, Delhi Minority Commission, APMC, Delhi Commission for Women, Delhi Commission for Child, SC/ST Committee, OBC Commission, Waqf Board, Tirth Yatra Vikas Committee, besides Khoya Mawa Committee," Upadhyay said.

Meanwhile, reiterating BJP's stand on government formation in Delhi, Upadhyay said if Delhi LG Najeeb Jung were to invite the party, it would explore all options.

"If the L-G invites us to form the government, we will then explore all options. BJP is not going to form government via the back door, instead AAP and Congress are adopting such tactics," he said.