Delhi: AAP Passes Resolution To Strip Away Rajiv Gandhi’s Bharat Ratna, Later Distances Itself From The Demand

Amidst disorientation and confusion among the ranks of its legislators, Aam Aadmi Party, on Friday (21 December), introduced and successfully passed a resolution in the Delhi assembly demanding that the Bharat Ratna awarded to former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi be withdrawn since he had allegedly justified the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, reports The Indian Express.

The controversial text of the resolution reads, “This House also resolves that the Bharat Ratna awarded to former PM Rajiv Gandhi, who justified the 1984 massacre, be withdrawn by the Centre.”

AAP spokesman, Saurabh Bhardwaj, tried to distance his party from the controversial resolution by asserting that the original resolution circulated to party members did not contain the line about Gandhi, remarking, “Malviya Nagar MLA Somnath Bharti added the line on his own. It was his demand.” Nonetheless the resolution which was finally passed is the amended version which includes the bit about stripping away Gandhi’s Bharat Ratna.

The resolution was introduced by Tilak Nagar MLA Jarnail Singh, who was approached by Bharti with the proposed amendment against Gandhi. Bharti gave him a note with the demand, and Singh read it to the assembly as part of the original resolution.

AAP MLA Alka Lamba took a stand against the resolution in the assembly and walked out over it, later revealing its controversial details to media persons outside. She has been asked to tender her resignation by her party while Bharti is also facing disciplinary action.

Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken condemned the move, stating, “It is unfortunate that such a resolution has been passed against a person who sacrificed his life for the country. It once again establishes that the AAP and the BJP are no different from each other.”