Ram Jethmalani’s out-of-court defence of Arvind Kejriwal cannot undo the damage, controversy may hit AAP’s chances in MCD polls
India’s highest-paid legal counsel, Ram Jethmalani presented a robust defence of his illustrious client, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday. The veteran lawyer was seen fire-fighting for the AAP convenor. He seconded the AAP’s top order, saying Kejriwal was sued by Arun Jaitley as Delhi CM, hence, he was not in the wrong. He told a news channel that Arvind Kejriwal duly sent the Rs 3.8 crore bill for approval and didn’t keep the money for himself. Calling the AAP a poor party, he announced that he would give his legal services to the Delhi CM on a pro bono basis. However, with all his experience as a lawyer, Jethmalani’s out-of-court defence will not save Arvind Kejriwal from loss of face, which might hamper his party’s chances in the upcoming MCD polls.
Before becoming the chief minister of the state, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was particularly critical of wasting public money by MLAs of other political parties. He championed austerity. He refused official bungalow, the security cover, and even an official car. A few days into the office, practicality dawned on the mercurial leader. When reality struck the leader he realised how difficult it was to operate without these perks. He discovered they were essentialities, not perks, and were very much needed for effective discharge of official duties. In the second term, however, Kejriwal didn’t make such high-flying promises of absolute austerity and silently accepted the official bungalow and security cover. He even ordered a massive hike in the salaries of MLAs. All these things are acceptable, but passing personal legal bills as governmental expenditure is not. With Ram Jethmalani showing his magnanimity, no damage to the state exchequer has been done. But this cannot be said about Arvind Kejriwal’s spotless image as it has definitely taken a hit.
