In a big jolt to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Delhi Social Welfare and Minister of Labour, Raaj Kumar Anand on Wednesday resigns from the party.
Speaking to the media, Raaj Kumar Anand expressed his disappointment with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), stating that while the party was founded to combat corruption, it has now become mired in it.
He emphasized the challenge of continuing his duties as a minister amidst such circumstances and announced his resignation, citing his refusal to associate his name with corruption.
After resigning as Delhi minister and from AAP, Raaj Kumar Anand says, “Aam Aadmi Party was born to fight corruption but today the party is stuck in a swamp of corruption. It has become difficult for me to work on the minister’s post. I resigned from the post of minister and from… https://t.co/Zad3HoJ5vR
— ANI (@ANI) April 10, 2024
Raaj Kumar Anand highlighted that his association with Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal stemmed from Kejriwal’s vision of “Rajniti badlegi toh desh badlega” (If politics changes, so will the nation). However, he lamented that while the rhetoric remains the same, the essence of politics has evolved unfavorably. Anand confirmed that he has submitted his resignation to the Chief Minister’s office.
#WATCH | Raaj Kumar Anand says, “The connection with Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal happened because he had said ‘Rajniti badlegi toh desh badlega’…Today politics hasn’t changed but the politician has. I have sent my resignation to the chief minister’s office.” https://t.co/Zad3HoJ5vR pic.twitter.com/FXMkM5LI8W
— ANI (@ANI) April 10, 2024
In response to speculations about joining the BJP, Raaj Kumar Anand clarified that his purpose in becoming a minister was to contribute to society. He expressed his reluctance to align with a party that doesn’t prioritize Dalit representation. Anand asserted that he has no intention of joining any political party.
#WATCH | On his resignation from the post of Delhi Social Welfare Minister and Aam Aadmi Party, Raaj Kumar Anand says, “…I became a minister to pay back the society. I don’t want to be part of a party that takes a backseat when Dalit representation is talked about. I am not… pic.twitter.com/rcTs58lAIe
— ANI (@ANI) April 10, 2024
On November 3 last year, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted a search at the residence of Delhi’s Labour Minister, Raaj Kumar Anand, as part of a money laundering investigation.
Also read: Arvind Kejriwal Found Involved; High Court Dismisses CM’s Plea
The probe stems from a prosecution complaint lodged by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, accusing false declarations in connection with goods import to evade customs duty amounting to over ₹7 crore.
A local court has acknowledged the complaint. Additionally, sources indicate that the agency is exploring potential international “hawala” transactions. Anand, who oversees several portfolios including Social Welfare and SC/ST Welfare, is under scrutiny in this investigation.
Also read: Lok Sabha 2024: INDIA bloc’s Maharashtra Deal Finalised; Thackeray’s Sena To Fight On 21 Seats
