Kejriwal apologises to Majithia, AAP''s Punjab leaders upset

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 15

As Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday apologised to former Punjab minister and SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia for having levelled "unfounded" allegations related to involvement in drugs trade, Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) Punjab leaders termed it a "meek surrender" and a "letdown".

AAP Punjab leaders Sukhpal Khaira and Kanwar Sandhu took to twitter to air their disagreement.

Earlier, Majithia released a letter sent to him by Kejriwal. The Delhi CM has withdrawn the allegations, and the letter has been filed in the court of JMIC, Amritsar. 

Following the allegations, Majithia had filed a defamation case against Kejriwal on May 20, 2016. 

Majithia said he has redeemed himself. "This proves that they were raking up the issue to tarnish my image and harm me and gain politically," he said.

The former Punjab minister said, "I will withdraw the case now, which I had filed for what is right and for my own and my family's honour." Majithia claimed that Aam Aadmi Party leader Ashish Khetan too has submitted his offer of regret.

Meanwhile, questioning the Delhi CM's apology to Majithia, AAP Punjab leader Sukhpal Khaira said, "We're appalled and stunned by the apology of Arvind Kejriwal tendered today, we don't hesitate to admit that we haven't been consulted on this meek surrender by a leader of his stature."

Were appalled n stunned by the apology of @ArvindKejriwal tendered today,we dont hesitate to admit that we havent been consulted on this meek surrender by a leader of his stature-khaira @ZeeNews @CNNnews18 @thetribunechd @HTPunjab @PTC_Network @JagbaniOnline @dailyajitnews

— Sukhpal Singh Khaira (@SukhpalKhaira) March 15, 2018

"I fail to understand the timing of Kejriwal's apology when STF of Punjab has stated to the High Court today that there's substantial evidence to proceed against Bikram Majitha on the issue of drugs."

"We'll meet the media at Chandigarh tomorrow, promise to continue our tirade on the burning issue of drugs destroying the youth of Punjab," Khaira said in a series of tweets.

I fail to understand the timing of Kejrewal apology when STF of PB has stated to the High Court today that theres substantial evidence to proceed against Bikram Majitha on the issue of drugs-khaira @ZeeNews @News18India @thetribunechd

— Sukhpal Singh Khaira (@SukhpalKhaira) March 15, 2018

In continuation of my tweet on Kejrewal apology well meet the media at Chandigarh tomorrow,promise to continue our tirade on the burning issue of drugs destroying the youth of PB-khaira @ZeePunjab @News18Punjab @PTC_Network @thetribunechd @htTweets @JagbaniOnline @dailyajitnews

— Sukhpal Singh Khaira (@SukhpalKhaira) March 15, 2018 

"Arvind Kejriwal's apology to Bikram majithia in the defamation case on drugs is a let down to the people, especially the youth of punjab. We in punjab have not been taken into the loop. Our fight for Punjab continues," AAP MLA Kanwar Sandhu said.

Arvind kejriwal' apology to Bikram majithia in the defamation case on drugs is a let down to the people, especially the youth of punjab. We in punjab have not been taken into the loop. Our fight for punjab continues.#punjabdrugs

— Kanwar Sandhu (@SandhuKanwar) March 15, 2018

In the letter to Majithia, Kejriwal has said, "In the recent past, I made certain statements and allegations against you regarding your alleged involvement in drug trade. These statements became a political issue. 

Now I've learnt that allegations are unfounded. Hence there should be no politics on such issues." 

Because of my allegations made against you at various political rallies, public meetings, TV programmes, print, electronic and social media, you filed a defamation case against us in the Hon'ble Court at Amritsar."

I hereby withdraw all my statements and allegations made against you and apologise for the same," the letter read.