AAP challenges Delhi president’s rule

Aam Admi Party moves Supreme Court, saying imposition of president’s rule is “unconstitutional” and “malafide”.

Arvind Kejriwal quit as the chief minister over an anti-graft bill [Reuters]

The Aam Admi (Common man) Party has moved the Supreme Court against the Indian federal government’s decision to impose president’s rule in Delhi, media reports say.

The party on Thursday said the imposition of federal rule was “unconstitutional and malafide” and aimed at delaying fresh elections to the Delhi assembly.

The federal government, following recommendation by Delhi’s lieutenant-governor, had imposed president’s rule in the state, days after the AAP-led government resigned over its inability to pass an anti-graft (ombudsman) bill.

The AAP led by Arvind Kejriwal was born out of an anti-corruption movement that swept the country some two years ago and had the anti-graft bill as the central piece of its election promises.

Kejriwal and his outgoing council of ministers had recommended that the assembly be dissolved and fresh elections be held in Delhi. 

The AAP made a stunning electoral debut last December, winning 28 of the 70 seats. It formed the government after the Congress party extended it support from outside. The government lasted for only 49 days.

Source: Al Jazeera