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After Kejriwal's apology to Majithia, AAP members are raising red flags

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DailyBite
DailyBiteMar 16, 2018 | 16:33

After Kejriwal's apology to Majithia, AAP members are raising red flags

In a departure from his usual argumentative demeanour, Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal has issued an apology to Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia, almost two years after the latter filed a defamation case against him. Kejriwal had earlier alleged the SAD leader’s involvement in drug trade in Punjab. The AAP supremo withdrew his allegations and filed an application regarding the same at a trial court in Amritsar.

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The Delhi CM acknowledged, "In the recent past, I made certain statements and allegations against you regarding your alleged involvement in drug trade. These statements became a political issue. Now, I've learnt that the allegations are unfounded," adding, "there should be no politics on such issues. I hereby withdraw all my statements and allegations made against you and apologise for the same".

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Photo: DailyO

Majithia responded to the apology with grace: "I thank Kejriwal for showing greatness in seeking apology for his remarks made against me. I have told my lawyers that from our side, this case ends as Kejriwal has sought apology..."

But while the SAD leader and the AAP chief have made peace, Kejriwal’s party members have not taken too kindly to his move. Bhagwant Mann, upset with this decision, resigned as AAP's state chief in Punjab. Other members and supporters of the party too have expressed their disappointment over the issue on social media.

Saurabh Bhardwaj, Kejriwal’s spokesperson said that the AAP chief has decided "to amicably sort out pending court cases on the advice of the party's legal team because the cases were taking a toll on the already strained resources of the party and individuals". Responding to that somewhat indirectly, Dr Kumar Vishvas, national executive of APP, reminded everyone that he will not stop fighting any and all defamation cases against him, and that is the right thing to.

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Former AAP members found new reasons to criticise Kejriwal.

Of course, not all opponents of AAP have accepted Kejriwal’s apology in the same spirit as Majithia. SAD leader and Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal told ANI: “This exposes cheap politics by AAP, they spread false propaganda. They build their entire election campaign (in Punjab) on a lie, good that he has accepted his lies.”

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But not all is lost. There were those who felt that the Delhi CM’s decision to apologise not only made sense but was also sensible.

Last updated: March 16, 2018 | 16:33
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