In a fresh blow to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s administration ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, his private secretary has been dismissed over alleged violations of appointment rules.
Bibhav Kumar’s termination was announced by the Directorate of Vigilance, citing his appointment in contravention of Central Civil Service Rules governing temporary appointments.
The AAP swiftly retaliated, accusing the Lieutenant Governor and the BJP of orchestrating a campaign to undermine Kejriwal’s party.
Kumar’s past legal troubles, including a 2007 case in Noida for allegedly assaulting a public servant, were highlighted by the vigilance department as grounds for his dismissal. It was noted that this information was not disclosed during his appointment process.
The department emphasized the gravity of the charges against Kumar and the ongoing legal proceedings, which cast doubt on his suitability from a vigilance standpoint.
The AAP condemned Kumar’s dismissal, with party leader Jasmine Shah lamenting what he described as a dismantling of democracy in the national capital.
Kumar’s recent questioning by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the liquor policy case, for which Kejriwal is currently incarcerated, further compounded the controversy surrounding his tenure. His meeting with the Chief Minister at Tihar Jail on Tuesday added to the scrutiny surrounding his role.
The developments underscore the political tensions and legal challenges facing Kejriwal’s administration as it navigates a turbulent electoral landscape.