Politicians Demand Resignation Of Delhi Law Minister On Ugandan Women Raid Row

Last week, after receiving complaints from the residents of Delhi's Malviya Nagar area, Bharti and his supporters belonging to Delhi's ruling Aam Aadmi (Common Man) Party (AAP), called the police to bust an alleged prostitution and drug racket.While addressing the mediapersons in New Delhi, leader of India's Regional Janata Dal-United (JD-U), Sabir Ali, said that the law minister should resign on the moral grounds.

"People like Somnath Bharti, who were made minister had no idea of the limitations of ministers. If we get any post, we have to remain within certain limits and maintain the dignity of the post. When you take oath, these responsibilities are included simultaneously (within the oath) and safeguarding them is the responsibility of the ministers and chief minister of Delhi. They have to change their attitude of protesting, agitating and taking to the streets like the common man .If he sees a moral responsibility, then he should resign," said Ali.

Bharti had alleged that the Ugandan nationals were part of a drug and prostitution racket and asked the police to search the house that the minister claimed was being used as a brothel. However, police refused to comply with the orders, saying they did not have a warrant to go in.

A leader of India's Main Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi felt that the present Delhi government is merely a pawn at the hands of the Congress party.

"We do not want to enter into this tussle.The Congress is responsible for raising this whole mess. The Congress has written the screenplay of this story before hand and all this is taking place as per the screenplay. One thing that the Congress and people who are working as the pawns ofCongress,should understand that the revolution of change that is taking place in the country today will not be influenced by such gimmicks," said Naqvi.

Arvind Kejriwal and members from his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) launched a street protest on January 20 after the federal government rejected their demand to suspend police officers for dereliction of duties in the alleged drug and sex racket case.

Kejriwal had said Bharti was forced to act after police refused to do anything despite numerous complaints from the public, alleging that the police were also involved in the suspected sex and drugs racket.

However, Kejriwal called off the protest on January 21 after Delhi Lieutenant Governor, Najeeb Jung, partially agreed to the demands raised by AAP. Jung assured a judicial probe into the matter and agreed to send the concerned policemen on leave till the time inquiry is being conducted.