Former Delhi SC/ST Welfare Minister Rajkumar Anand stepped down from his position and from party membership on Wednesday, citing disillusionment with the AAP's engagement in corruption. Anand was elected from Patel Nagar in 2020, succeeding his wife Veena Anand, a former MLA from the same area. Notably, the Enforcement Directorate raided Anand's residence in November last year. Resigning, Anand questioned the AAP's integrity, despite having posted in support of the party and criticizing the Modi government just two hours earlier.
What Rajkumar Anand stated post-resignation
Anand joined the AAP to fight corruption but now feels the party itself has succumbed to it. He voiced that Arvind Kejriwal once declared in Ramlila Maidan that changing politics would transform the country, but sadly, it's the politicians who have changed, not politics. His resignation letter has been sent to the CM's office, finding it difficult to serve in an uncomfortable administration.
I don't believe we retain any moral high ground to govern. I was attracted to the party by the ideals of Baba Saheb, but there’s no respect or representation for Dalits and backward classes within it. These reasons have made my continued presence in the party challenging, prompting my resignation from both the party and my ministerial role.
Feeling relieved after resignation: Rajkumar Anand
Speaking with Aaj Tak, Anand shared that he felt weighed down but is now relieved after resigning. He has no intention of joining another party, asserting that his political entry was not for money or fame. He wants to ensure he feels the burden lifted and confirms he hasn't received any offers.
Posted criticism of the Modi government two hours before resigning
These were Anand’s words after stepping down, but mere two hours before, he was actively supporting AAP and targeting the Modi government. He shared a video of AAP leader Sanjay Singh commenting on the ridiculousness of an elected Chief Minister (@BhagwantMann) and a Member of Parliament being given a token number for a meeting, only for it to be canceled later. Anand accused Tihar Jail officials of working under pressure from the Modi administration.
Source: aajtak
ED raided in November 2023
Recall last November, just before summoning CM Kejriwal for the liquor scam inquiry, ED raided Minister Anand's residence as part of a customs case, also investigating Anand's potential involvement in hawala transactions. Authorities analyzed information from nine locations connected to Anand’s business dealings.
Who is Rajkumar Anand?
Anand entered politics in 2020 as an MLA from Patel Nagar, after his wife Veena Anand. He stepped into the cabinet following Rajendra Pal Gautam's resignation over controversial remarks made at a Buddhist event, which Gautam attended, leading to immense uproar.
