AAP MLA disqualification row: 'Political vendetta, against principles of natural justice': Didi backs Kejriwal

KOLKATA: Extending her support to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over MLA disqualification row, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee on Friday termed the episode as “political vendetta”.

Taking to Twitter, the West Bengal Chief Minister wrote: 

A Constitutional body cannot be used for political vendetta. The 20 AAP MLAs were not even given a hearing by the Hon EC. Most unfortunate. This goes against the principles of natural justice.At this hour we are strongly with @arvindkejriwal and his team — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) January 19, 2018

Earlier today, the Election Commision of India recommended the disqualification of 20 AAP legislators for allegedly holding offices of profit as Parliamentary Secretaries.

The petition against the AAP MLAs was filed by Delhi lawyer Prashant Patel. 

Responding to allegations, Kejriwal claimed that the poll panel 'never touched this low'.  The party has now moved to Delhi High Court.

Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court refused to grant relief to the disqualified AAP legislators. The court will hear the matter on Monday.

Taking note of the petition, Delhi HC asked the counsel for the poll panel to apprise it urgently whether any such recommendation has been made to the President by the Election Commission. Justice Rekha Palli asked the counsel appearing on behalf of the Election Commission to take instruction and inform about the development so that the hearing can resume soon.