Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has issued an apology to Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia, acknowledging that the allegations he made regarding involvement in the drug trade were “unfounded.” In response, Mr. Majithia has decided to withdraw the court case against Kejriwal.
This move by the Delhi Chief Minister, described by some as a “meek surrender,” has faced criticism from AAP’s Punjab unit leaders, who view it as a “letdown.” However, AAP leaders in New Delhi defended the decision, suggesting that it aims to resolve the legal issues surrounding the party convenor and hinted at a potential similar course in the defamation case filed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.
Former Punjab Minister Majithia expressed gratitude, stating that truth had prevailed, and he appreciated Kejriwal’s acknowledgment of his mistake. With the AAP leader issuing an apology, Mr. Majithia has chosen not to pursue the defamation case against him.
Drug abuse was a significant issue during the Punjab Assembly elections last year, where Kejriwal, leading the AAP campaign, accused Mr. Majithia, who was a minister in the state government, of involvement in the narcotics trade. However, in the formal apology, Kejriwal stated that he had learned that the allegations were baseless and unfounded.
The apology emphasizes a shift away from political maneuvering on sensitive issues and reflects a willingness to reconcile for the sake of truth and fairness
